With DeSean Jackson now off the market after signing with the Washington Redskins, the focus now shifts to wide receivers who may or may not be available. Jackson was not the only big name being tossed around in trade rumors as team seek to unload some salary cap space prior to the NFL Draft. Mike Wallace is one of those players after a down season with the Miami Dolphins. Could the Raiders or 49ers be an option.
The Miami Herald was the first to report the Dolphins were considering shopping Wallace around. Just a year after being one of the biggest names in free agency and signing a large contract, the receiver might find his time in South Beach is over before it truly began. Wallace failed to lead the team in receiving, putting up just 930 yards and five touchdowns, far less than what his contract dictates.
Wallace has certainly heard the rumors his name is being associated with. CBS Sports' write Jason LaCanfora reports that Wallace is not concerned over the trade rumors out in the news, noting he does not believe the Dolphins would move him just one year after signing him to a five-year, $60 million deal. He could be right. That is a lot of money for a team to take on at this point in the offseason considering most teams have filled most of their salary cap space. However, several teams wanted Jackson and might look Wallace's way.
The Oakland Raiders were very interested in signing Jackson. Both Matt Schaub and Charles Woodson went as far as to publically request the wide receiver sign on with the team. The Raiders need offensive fire power and Wallace would provide it. Oakland is one of the few teams remaining that could actually afford a move like this considering the money they have saved signing veterans.
The San Francisco 49ers could be an option for a deal. The team was also very interested in Jackson and tried to make a late move for the wide receiver, but lost out in the end. Jim Harbaugh has been very vocal about his team needing another playmaker on the field and Wallace would pair well with Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin. The team does not have the salary cap space for Wallace so creativity would have to come into play to make the move happen.
The last option could be the Cleveland Browns. They are another team that has actively pursued almost every receiving free agent that has hit the market, but has failed to sign anyone. A deal for Wallace would be hard, but do not forget those two first-round draft picks Cleveland holds.