Kenny Powers
Footballguy
No way this happens. Without repeating what has already been said numerous times for the most part, if teams want to get him, I think all they need to do is offer him around what the tag is longterm, and I dont think the Steelers would match it (and IMO that would be the right call). If a team offers him a deal in the $6-7M range, I would have to think they are doing know knowing the Steelers would match that. I personally think that's what he's worth. If a team offers him $8M+ per yr on a longterm deal, I think that would be enough to acquire him, not the ungodly $12M+ some people have mentioned in here.Money is of course the biggest factor in whether Wallace stays or goes, but the team/pick that makes him an offer (if in fact a team does), would also have an impact. Sure, it is most likely for a team picking after the Steelers to be the one that makes him an offer because the pick has less value, but everyone in here seems to think that's guaranteed. I dont expect it to be the case, but I wouldnt be shocked if a team picking 16-23 made an offer for Wallace (Yes, WR isnt a top need for a few of these teams, but you never know who values Wallace the most). If that did happen, I think it would be even more likely the Steelers let him go, ie they would value the 18th pick with a $8M offer to Wallace similar to a $10M offer from 30th pick.'Shutout said:People should face it that this is being done out of necessity, not genius and that there IS a big risk. The Steelers could very well end up in a situation where they pay him MORE than the franchise tag to keep him and then have to get back into this boat WITH Antonio Brown next year or they could just outright lose him. If they lose him, say what you want about "shaking his hand" and wishing him well and laughing all the way to picking up an additional pick, etc. If the Steelers lose Wallace, there are going to be a lot Steelers fans bemoaning the season in 2012. You WILL regret losing him.
I feel good that the Steelers arent paying Santonio Holmes $9M right now. I will also feel good if they dont have to pay Wallace $9M and get a 1st round pick out of it. I think theyll be fine with Brown, Sanders, and either bringing Cotchery back as the #3 or an FA WR with similar value.