2013 NFL Free Agency: Mike Wallace to Cleveland a “Realistic Possibility”
60 Minutes to Cleveland? It’s possible.
The Pittsburgh Steelers probably aren’t going to retain star wide receiver Mike Wallace. In fact, they might not even try. But they can’t be too excited about the possibility of him burning them for years to come within their own division.
Per the Cleveland Plain Dealer, that’s a “realistic possibility”, as Wallace’s speed and play-making ability would shore up an already improving Cleveland Browns passing game. The addition of “60 Minutes” would allow Greg Little to man the slot, while giving Cleveland two explosive weapons on the outside in Wallace and 2012 rookie sensation Josh Gordon.
If Wallace feels spurned by the Steelers, the best course of sweet revenge might be to go to a bitter rival, get paid, and have the opportunity to beat his former team twice a year. Then again, the odds are pretty good that the whole “get paid” notion is where Wallace will be putting the most stock during the off-season.
One thing seems to be clear: if the Steelers are serious about keeping their best offensive weapon in black and yellow for the long-term, they certainly have Wallace and just about everyone else fooled. Wallace will command a high dollar salary, one likely similar to (if not more expensive) than the one Vincent Jackson signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last off-season (five years for $55.555 million).
And considering money is a top priority for the coveted deep threat, the cap-happy Browns should definitely be in play, should they regard Wallace as an investment worth piling some cash into.
Other receiver-needy teams that could be interested in Wallace are the Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks.
Fantasy Analysis
Obviously Wallace staying in Pittsburgh is his best bet to sustain high quality fantasy numbers, while Cleveland is a toss-up with Brandon Weeden or whoever else the Browns might toss in there under center. If Wallace is in a new city with a downgrade at quarterback, he suddenly becomes a major fantasy risk. Just wait this out if you’re in a Dynasty/Keeper league.
