The Miami Dolphins and Mike Wallace have been at odds at various times this season and after his reported benching in Week 17 against the Jets, the team may look at a trade if Wallace continues to be disgruntled about his use and teams like the Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders or Vikings could be interested in making a move.
Wallace did not play in the second half against the Jets in Week 17 and after the game it was reported that he took himself out of the game. According to ESPN.com, Wallace denied after the game that he took himself out and said that he was benched for the second half of the game. Joe Philbin, who is returning for another season as head coach, was tight lipped following the game and did not give a detailed reason about why Wallace was benched for the second half.
Wallace signed a $60 million contract with the Dolphins in free agency in 2013 and he has complained multiple times over the past two seasons about how he has been used in the offense. Following the matchup with the Jets, both wide receiver Brandon Gibson and quarterback Ryan Tannehill made comments about Wallace, seemingly backing up his side and defending his actions. Tannehill said there was no confrontation with Wallace at halftime and said that he "hopes Wallace can work things out" with the team.
Wallace is set to get paid nearly $10 million next season and he will count for over $12 million on the salary cap for 2015. Wallace led the Dolphins in receiving yards with 862 on 67 receptions and 10 touchdowns as the Dolphins finished 8-8 for the second year in a row. Moving or releasing Wallace is tough because of the contract, but after two years he could be on his way out. The Dolphins have a solid young player in Jarvis Landry, who finished his rookie season with 84 catches for 758 yards and five touchdowns.
The Dolphins went 8-8 this season and finished 3-3 in the AFC East and 6-6 against the AFC and now there could be some major changes for head coach Joe Philbin. Stephen Ross opted to keep Philbin despite Jim Harbaugh becoming available and he will have pressure to finish with a winning record or a playoffs appearance next season. The issues with Wallace could lead to a move and if that happens, teams like the Niners, Raiders, Seahawks, Browns and Vikings could be interested.
Wallace did not have a catch in that final game and over the last three games of the season he went for 13 catches and three touchdowns. Wallace has not been over 1000 yards as a receiver since 2011 when he was in Pittsburgh and while he has not missed a game since coming to the Dolphins, his production is not the same level it was with the Steelers. Wallace had 73 catches last season for 930 yards and this season he finished with fewer catches and yards, but twice as many touchdowns. Wallace likely will work things out with the team, because both sides realize his contract will be hard to move.