Pats Targeting Wallace

[steelblood]

This is what you are missing.
Wallace does not 'really' want to play for the Bengals. He has to SIGN the offer they make. So if the money is essentially the same, he won't budge. Regardless of whether its front loaded.
And you say 15-17M THIS season. That's just not logical. For one, they have Green. He's not subordinate to anyone. Wallace would be the second best WR there. That money doesn't happen to a number 2 or frankly Wallace. And the Steelers can match a sturdy offer from the Bengals...even front loaded, just not all on this deal. And Wallace doesn't want to leave, just to leave. He's not going to sign the Bengals offer unless its silly good. In which case I wish him luck and take the money. A similar deal uncomfortably front loaded, just so the Steelers can't match, he won't sign.
He's here unless he gets silly offer from desperate team. Bengals are too cheap for that move.

How in the world do you know that he doesn't want to play for Cincinnati? Many players just want money now or financial security. Why would Green Bay's center sign with St. Louis? Why would Benjarvus Green-Ellis (who is a decent guy and an unselfish player) sign with Cincinnati and leave New England? Even if the contracts are the same overall amount, but Cincy offers more up front and guaranteed money, Wallace may choose to sign such an offer.

15 million this season is quite possible and even logical. Vincent Jackson is making 26 million in the first two years of his new contract. Making 2012's payout high is exactly how a team will be sure the Steelers don't match and would entice Wallace. It would also allow the Bengals to retain more talent in future years (like retaining Green when his contract is up). Deals can be front loaded at any time. The deal may only average out to 10 million per season, but the guaranteed money and first year's salary can lead to that sort of payout. The Bengals still have like 30-some million in cap space.