Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver Mike Wallace Deserves a New Contract, but It Just Might Be Smarter to Put the Franchise Tag on Him for Now
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace has been the most productive receiver for the Steelers over the past two seasons. The third-year pro out of Ole Miss is now a restricted free agent, and is on the radar of many NFL teams seeking a speedy receiver.
Wallace is definitely worth getting a long-term deal with Pittsburgh, but looking at the financial status of the franchise, it might be better to slap the franchise tag on the Pro Bowl receiver. If this is what is going to be done, then it better get done quickly by General Manager Kevin Colbert. The deadline to apply the franchise tag is March 3rd. This may give the Steelers a little wiggle room in their salary cap for the 2012 NFL season.
Meanwhile, the Steelers have made moves earlier this offseason to free up more space. The contracts for cornerback Bryant McFadden and receiver Arnez Battle were terminated. Linebackers Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley have already restructured their contracts, as well as cornerback Ike Taylor and right tackle Willie Colon. Also, Pro Bowl veterans Ben Roethlisberger and James Harrison said that they are willing to restructure their contracts in order to make more cap room.
In addition, let’s not forget Hines Ward. Ward said openly that he is willing to take a pay cut in order to stay in the Steel City. However, the likelihood of Colbert bringing back Ward for another season might be slim to none. I know morally, the right thing to do is to let the 14-year veteran finish his career where he started, but unfortunately, at the end of the day this is a business.
Hopefully, Art Rooney II, and the rest of the front office can find a way to get under the cap for the signings of the incoming rookies from the 2012 NFL Draft and other potential free agents.
Follow me on Twitter @ClydeASpeller
Buy Pittsburgh Steelers Tickets | Buy Pittsburgh Steelers Apparel
Leave a Rant
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!
FEATURED PARTNERS
- The 6 Stages Of Fame, According To James Van Der Beek
- 21 Cats Imitating Art
- The 12 Most Ridiculous Stock Videos
- Khloe Kardashian -- Bummed Out About Lamar Odom
- NFL Star Randy Moss -- Barbershop REVENGE!!!
- LeBron James -- King's Hair(line) Keeps NBA Stars Laughing
- Bubba Watson Impersonator’s Ship Finally Comes In
- BroBible Brings Stand-Up Comedy To DC
- Miami Marlins Suspend Ozzie Guillen 5 Games for Fidel Castro Comments