The Miami Dolphins are in need of big playmakers on offense. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill will be entering his second season and needs some weapons in order to improve his passing game. Now, Orlando's Sun-Sentinel is reporting the team will target wide receiver Mike Wallace who is likely to be leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers announced they will not be giving Wallace the franchise tag in the offseason, making him a free agent in March. Wallace will demand a big contract from whatever teams make a jump for him. He turned down an offer from Pittsburgh last season that was a five-year, $55.5 million contract. He will likely demand upwards of $60 million, or $12 million a season.
But is Wallace worth the big money? At 26. he is known as one of the best deep threat receivers in the league. After being drafted in 2009, he has caught 235 passes for 4,042 yards and 32 touchdowns. He led the NFL as a rookie with 19.4 yards per reception. Yet, analysts will point to Wallace's flaws and claim he is asking for too much money. In his four seasons, Wallace dropped 21 passes. He has been the product of numerous broken plays and has the reputation of a diva personality.
The Dolphins are in desperate need of a wide receiver, but Wallace will come with a steep price they may not be willing to pay. Greg Jennings could be a logical choice coming out as a free agent from the Green Bay Packers. Dolphin's head coach Joe Philbin used to be the offensive coordinator in Green Bay and is very familiar with Jennings. Dwayne Bowe could be another valid option if Kansas City decides to not resign him.
Wallace is coming off a lack luster season with Pittsburgh. In 15 games, he caught 64 passes for 834 yards and eight touchdowns. Not the kind of numbers a $12 million a season receiver should be putting up. There are plenty of free agents that can do what Wallace does, but his athleticism and ability to throw off a defense are what make him so appealing to Miami.
