Over the past 3 years, Mike Wallace has been one of the most productive receivers in the NFL.  Now, Wallace wants to be paid like one.  There is little doubt that the Steelers are a better team with Mike Wallace but at what cost?  Do you jeopardize future signings such as Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders?  I don’t think so.

Wallace has been rumored saying he wants to be paid like Larry Fitzgerald who signed a 8 year, 128.5 million dollar contract.

The Steelers won’t pay Wallace, Larry Fitzgerald money.  That would be a poor decision and that is not the way the Steelers do business.  They won’t overpay for a wide receiver (see Burress, Randle El, etc) and they never let a player (see Santonio Holmes) jeopardize the future of the franchise.  And quite frankly, Wallace isn’t worth Fitzgerald money.  Wallace has elite speed but he’s not close to being a Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald talent.  They are in a class of their own.  Wallace is in the next tier of wide receivers.  He’s still a 1 trick pony that disappeared towards the end of last year.  He might not be the best overall wide receiver on the team.  That title probably goes to the Antonio Brown.

With that being said, I want Wallace on the Steelers if the price is right.  What’s the right price?  I think 5 years, 45 million seems about right.  The contract will be back loaded and much less than that will be guaranteed.  If Wallace doesn’t agree to a contract similar to that, he won’t be a Steeler after this season.