Jared Wickerham - Getty Images
7 months ago: PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 06: Mike Wallace #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the game on November 6, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
How does Mike Wallace opposite of A.J. Green sound? It sounds like a lot of worried defensive backs to me. ESPN''s Adam Schefter is reporting that Mike Wallace, who is a restricted free agent, may be pursued by the Bengals. In order to obtain Wallace, the Bengals would have to sign him and an offer sheet and hope that Pittsburgh declines to match it. The Bengals would also have to surrender a first round pick in this year's draft.
This appears to be a win-win situation for the Bengals. Schefter says that the Bengals are 60 million under the cap, while the Steelers are about 11 million over the cap. If the Steelers refused to sign the offer sheet, they would be losing their best playmaker and quite possibly a top five receiver in the NFL. If Pittsburgh decided that he is worth too much to give up, they would be forced to cut players in order to not go over the salary cap.
Schefter explained on NFL Live what the Bengals could do, he said that the Bengals would need to sign Wallace to an offer sheet that says that he would get roughly 20 million dollars in a roster bonus. A roster bonus is different than a signing bonus, in that a roster bonus counts against the salary cap this coming season. Schefter goes on to say that if Pittsburgh matched that offer, they would get to keep Wallace but would be so strapped for cap space that they would need to cut some players.
The Bengals could do some serious damage here. Prior to Schefter mentioning this possibility, I had not thought of Wallace leaving the Steelers. In a tweet last night, Schefter said that the chances of Wallace leaving is about 50/50. The Bengals will have some competition for his services, including the New England Patriots. With the Bengals being 60 million under the cap, they can essentially add any player that they wish to add as long as the player wants to be in Cincinnati.
As mentioned earlier, this is a win-win situation for Cincinnati. As long as the Bengals make the move to sign Wallace to an offer sheet, they will be hurting the Steelers. So, what would you do? Is giving up a first round pick worth getting a division rival's best play-maker? Last season the 25 year old Wallace caught 72 balls for 1,193 yards and eight touchdowns.Ladies and gentlemen, an exciting off-season just got a lot more exciting.
0 recs | 154 comments
It'd be an incredible pick up
I don’t expect it but if it happened, I would be absolutely elated. I don’t want to draft a WR with one of our first round picks but if we can pick up a proven talent that’s only 25, would do it in a heartbeat.
Mexal - February 19, 2012
Whaaaaa?!
I don’t expect this to happen…but if it did…wow. Guess I’d have to stop beating the DeSean Jackson drum.
broski - February 19, 2012
Why would we lose a first round pick?
I hadnt heard that before the last few days
Toasted_Orange_Monster - February 19, 2012 via mobile
He's a restricted free agent
Therefore, in order for us to get him, we have to give up a first round pick. The highest tender used to be a first and third but I think they changed that with the CBA.
Mexal - February 19, 2012
I wouldn't mind giving up a first round pick.
Look at it this way; if Mike Wallace was somehow put into the 2012 draft, would you take him at 21? Hell yes you would. He’s young AND proven at the NFL level. Add in that it hurts the Steelers and it’s a great fit.
sexsalad - February 19, 2012
+1
K
njbengalstat - February 19, 2012
Wouldn’t be so sure of that, it may actually help us because Ben won’t be trying to force it in there to him no matter what. (yes…pun intended)
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
i laughed
i’m pretty sure that losing your #1 WR in free agency is a bad thing, especially when he goes to a division rival… you cant really spin it any other way
Jason Blanton - February 20, 2012
Yeah, it would suck if we lost Antonio Brown, but he’s not the one we’re talking about here.
Your speculation does not equal fact.
FrankWyt - February 20, 2012
yes they did
It was a part of the argreement last offseason – a wish from the players that the owners accepted
Christian Gaarde Nielsen - February 19, 2012
It would be amazing
You have to give a first round pick because he is restricted, and that is what happens unde the new cba rules. That would be well with it for us because he is young, proven, it’s a need for us (imagine green not being doubled every play), and it would hurt our rival shitsburgh cheaters. We can still address corner or guard in the draft (depending on the rest of free agency) and get a top 5 running talent in the second.
thenailer33 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
* a great fit for us*
thenailer33 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
It would be great to get a guy like Wallace and to take him from the Steelers,
but I look at the alternatives. If we wanted to we could draft Kendall Wright and have a younger guy, for less money. If we give them a draft pick they can do the exact same thing and be in a better spot with the salary cap. So basically by us signing Wallace they get out of having to pay him and they get an early draft pick and can take a guy who is pretty much the same. To me it seems like a positive for the Steelers if that happens. It would be good for us to get Wallace, but I’d rather have Kendall Wright and an keep all the extra cap space and such… AND watch the Steelers try to work with their cap issues and cut players.
Luke - February 19, 2012
And that's not even considering who we could take otherwise with the pick we'd give up.
Could address corner, guard, RB, safety, OR WR. Or any other position that has a great player that slides some.
Plus look at any WR we could get by offering the same type of contract (or likely a lot less) and NOT have to give up a draft pick. Could target guys like Colston, Garcon, Wayne, Laurent Robinson, Manningham, Meachum, possibly Donald Driver if they release him. Take your pick… you can get any one of them for less AND keep your draft pick… and use the extra money saved to upgrade a different position in FA.
Taking Wallace for a ton of money and a draft pick SOUNDS good but really it would be a pretty terrible move when you consider the alternatives.
Luke - February 19, 2012
agreed to a point
but, what if Wright is a bust? We already know Wallace is a stud. think of it this way, do you want Green, Wallace, shipley and Gresham with us picking up Grubbs and or nicks to protect Dalton, maybe Richardson falls to 17 (doubtful) but even if he doesn’t, Martin, Miller, Wilson or Pead in the backfield, Routt and possibly Kirkpatrick, Hall, Clements and Jones at corner, we can fill alot of our needs through Free Agency, grab what we can’t get in FA in the draft, it’s a great time to be a Bengals fan!!! Anyway, I’d rather have a proven target for Dalton than a maybe any day of the week and besides, it WOULD really hurt pittsburgh in the process
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
Disagree
I feel what your saying but if we front load his salary this year, when we have 60 mil in space, then it won’t hurt us in the future. Plus, the steelers getting a brand new receiver who is not proven like Wallace, is starting them over, putting them at least two years back at the spot with a question mark.
thenailer33 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
I dont think its going to take Kendall Wright a year or two to be a game changing player.
He’s got the kind of speed that Wallace has, and some people even have him as their #1 receiver on the board (yes, ahead of Blackmon on some boards). Plus the Steelers still have Antonio Brown. Losing Wallace would suck for them, but it wouldn’t cripple them… they’d be fine. Extra fine with an extra draft pick to take Kendall Wright. And it solves some of their salary cap issues.
Think of it this way- if they keep him this year, they’d have to offer him a monster contract next year if they want to keep him, forcing them to cut others… OR they would let him walk and we could then sign him as an unrestricted FA and could get him without giving up a draft pick. Basically If we just wait it out till next year the Steelers are in the same boat with either losing him or having to cut others to keep him… and we have a shot at getting him without having to give up a draft pick.
Luke - February 19, 2012
yeah
and Peter Warrick was supposed to be the next Jerry Rice, nobody knows about draft picks, Wallace is an established player that has proven himself
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
Read an article couple years ago...
Rating 1st round draft picks by position (not individual people). WR’s had the lowest % chance of all positions to live up to their draft status and become a quality NFL player. Just forget where I saw it, I think it was a Hobson post a few years back… Help anyone?
UIsteve - February 19, 2012
Is a #2 WR our biggest need?
I say no and it’s not like this is going to kill them. They have backups. The only way this kills them is if they match the offer and have to cut players to keep him. It helps them by getting rid of him to a point. This is a team sport and rarely is one guy worth cutting 3 for. It would actual free up cap space and give them a 1st rnd pick to replace some of those old men they have on defense. We can get just as good cheaper and keep our picks to address bigger needs.
Bigcatdaddy - February 19, 2012 via Android app
If we offered a huge roster bonus, the Steelers wouldn't be able to match it all.
That would be risky, but it would screw the Steelers over.
sexsalad - February 19, 2012
Either way would be good for us............
we sign another playmaker opposite Green, or we drive the price up on the Steelers, causing them to have to cut some other players. Make the move, if for nothing else, to drive up the price on them.
The Van Buren Boys - February 19, 2012
I saw this from Shefter
This was purely speculative….was based on no facts and was poised more as a “what if”…I dont want Wallace…not for the price that they will want….
ticalcaldwell - February 19, 2012
Agree
The thought is cool,but the reality of giving up a 1st rounder combined with making him the highest paid WR in football
doesnt make much sense.
We seen Rome put up decent number’s as a number 2,i’m not saying i want Rome,but i think we can find a very productive number 2,and keep our pick.Without breaking the bank.
Worry about our team,Pittsburg dugg there own hole,let them digg there way out of it,
IMO a move like this helps Pittsburg,more than it hurts them,If there is any truth let NE do our dirty work
keithp - February 19, 2012
exactly
we dont need to sell the farm for Wallace…I just dont think he is THAT good..
ticalcaldwell - February 19, 2012
we have 60 million
we SHOULD spend some of it, why not on some game changers, tired of MB being cheap is all we ever say and hear, this would also help change our perception of our front office
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
Thats why we are 60 million under the cap poised for a Super Bowl run
And the Steeler’s are in shambles,it might have took 20 years,but damn it
WHO-DEY!!!!!
keithp - February 19, 2012
again, not in shambles. That’s just what other teams are hoping for. When things get worked out to put us far enough under to sign rookies, which will be one or two roster moves away, it will be all good. Then next year we have 4 huge contracts coming off the books.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
Agian
The real x’s and o’s guys of that franchise are gone,i could care less about what you do personnel wise
keithp - February 19, 2012
what do you mean “x’s and o’s guys are gone”?
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
Coordinator's
PIGGY BACKN is over
keithp - February 19, 2012
pigg backn?
We got rid of Arians, that’s a good thing.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
DICK L
keithp - February 19, 2012
No, I was wondering what “piggy backn” means
As I said, Lebeau is still there, and his replacement that has been learning under him for quite a while now is taking over for him. We are going to be fine on defense.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
would still
rather face the student instead of the master, wishing Lebeau just retires asap
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
Oh, yeah. Definitely right about that .I obviously don’t want him to retire. I want him to stop trying to hide the fact that he’s immortal, and that’s why he looks the same now as he did when he tackled that Oiler player when he was your coach 30 years ago.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
lol
you guys lucked out, for the couple years he came back, you guys sucked
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
Really
I thought Lebeau retired,damn it
Piggy Backn=Tomlin has benefited extremely from having Lebeau
Ive never been a fan of the “guy in waiting plan”
But if Lebeau’s still around i guess i’d better hold off a bit,till he retire’s
keithp - February 19, 2012
Well, if Tomlin benefited greatly from Lebeau (which is true, as would any head coach) it is more than balanced out by not benefiting from his OC.
As far as the guy in waiting, that’s the way the Steelers have almost always done it, and it’s worked out ok. Haley is obviously a different situation, but he wouldn’t have been hired if Kirby hadn’t got burned in that house fire.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
I think
he means Arians, but, I think you guys upgraded when you lost him
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
Yes, yes it is, thank you. I’m not exactly sure how I feel about Haley, but then I just think about how often I knew exactly what they were going to run and how pissed I was (stupid bubble screen for instance….ugggh)
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
lol
hopefully the new guys worse….just saying
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
lol. I understand. People that are happy about it say “well look what they did in AZ” but….Kurt Warner will do that type of stuff when he’s throwing to a top 3 receiver and two pretty damn good sidekicks.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
WHY?
Would Arians be the first thought,my lord
keithp - February 19, 2012
Because Lebeau is still the DC?
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
Why wont he just retire already?
He’s like the Brett Farve of D-Coordinator’s
keithp - February 19, 2012
yep
only better :(
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
well, he never said he’s going to retire, and he’s still more than effective as the Steelers defense was #1 again this year. (Statistically, yes I understand the schedule and all that)
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
Well ya
That whole franchise has piggy -backed that old man for decade’s
keithp - February 19, 2012
How so? If the coach was the only reason, then he’d have been successful in Buffalo and Cincinnati right?
It’s just as much smart personnel decisions getting the right players, and the players executing their jobs.
Plus Lebeau hasn’t even been with the organization long enough to say “decades” he was DC for two years in the mid 90’s, then from 04 to now. That’s only ten years total. (he was also a db coach for three years in the 90’s)
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
Buffalo and Cincy
Are not disciplined franchises,ol’school guy,needs ol’school rules around him
Doesnt hurt to have good personnel also,I know Lebeau was there,the defense was great,left the defense went to shit,came back and look were they have been ever sense.
keithp - February 19, 2012
I looked it up to see if they “went to shit” I was surprised by the results. For a Steeler defense, they kind of did. They still had a year or two in the top ten, but a few years in the 10-15 range. In 01 they were ranked number 1 though.
Still, 7-10 is “gone to shit” for the Steeler D.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
I guess wasnt as bad as i remembered
keithp - February 19, 2012
It was still bad compared to when he was there. You weren’t wrong. Besides the number 1 ranking, the highest they were between Lebeau’s absence was 7. Compared to when he’s been here, that’s quite a difference.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
Not a problem, they went from 22 over to 7 over without even cutting anyone important. If Ben and Harrison restructure, we’ll be under. Omar Khan is a very smart man.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
Wasnt like The Steeler's were "THE Steeler's" last year
Replacing your coordinator’s is going to leave Pittsburg in shambles,That teams been piggy backing Dick for years
Tomlin speaks like a coach,now lets see what he is really about.
keithp - February 19, 2012
I know that, I’m still shocked we managed to pull out 12 wins. I’ll take a 12 win season in the first year of a rebuilding project any day.
We only had one coordinator replaced, and if you watched the Steelers you’d know that he was the guy responsible for holding us back. There is no reason on Earth a team with our QB, a pretty good RB, and 3 really good receivers should have did what they did.
There is nowhere to go but up for the offense.
Also, Lebeau is still there man. In fact, Butler turned down a DC job because he’s taking Lebeau’s job when he retires. The defense will be in good hands.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
Appreciate your insight
keithp - February 19, 2012
sarcasm?
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
No really
I dont keep up with other teams,like i do my Bengal’s
As you can tell from my thinking Lebeau was retired,i have been holding onto that for a few month’s now
keithp - February 19, 2012
lol. I understand why people want him gone. But yeah, that’s why I like these boards, it’s nice to share team info with “enemies”
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
Well shit,
If we picked up Bush, Wallace, and Routt in FA that would ease our draft needs.
Draft:
CB 1st round
OG 2nd roud
BPA after that
TCfromDubVee - February 19, 2012
How 'bout Nicks, Wallace and Routt........
then………CB, RB, G……BPA after that!
The Van Buren Boys - February 19, 2012
I'm good with that too!
TCfromDubVee - February 19, 2012
AWESOME!!!
May as well strike while the iron is hot! Will pursuing MW require the services of 007?lol Hey Big Hugh is a one man wrecking crew! KUDOS! …WHODEY!!!
Makebelieve - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Hate to give the Steelers an extra 1st rounder
Wallace would be nice opposite AJ, but somehow the Steelers would benefit from this.
txbengal29 - February 19, 2012
not opposed to this idea
i’d hate to give the steelers a 1st round pick. they’d just use the 1st round pick to take a rookie wr. so the amount of damage we’d do to the steelers would be limited, unless they blew the pick on a bust.
palewook - February 19, 2012
that is true
when you think about Bengals having 2 first round picks, they could use a DB and an OG… would be nice to add a WR in FA without giving up a pick…. but no doubt Wallace would be exciting.
txbengal29 - February 19, 2012
not to mention
what if the Steelers draft a bust at 21, DEF. a win win for us.
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
That is possible, but Colbert has a pretty damn good record of first round picks (and actually every other round except two it seems)
Since Colbert started he’s drafted Burress, Hampton, Kendall Simmons, Polamalu, Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, Santonio Holmes, Timmons, Mendenhall, Hood, and Pouncey and Cam Heyward in the first round.
Simmons is the only one of those that is a bust. All the others are at the very least high quality starters (jury is still out of Hood and Heyward)
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
Doubt they’d use it for a WR. Even without Wallace, we’d still have Brown and Sanders as “go to” guys and Miller and Cotch for the extra options (assuming Cotch comes back, which I expect him to do) As I mentioned, the highest any of our receivers were drafted was the third round. (Wallace, Sanders and Ward in the third, Cotch in the fourth, and Brown in the sixth)
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
I don't think they'd use it on a WR, but they might use it to get Barron.
Polamalu could show him the ropes, and in a few years he’d be scary.
sexsalad - February 19, 2012
We could easily beat out New England
Like schefter said we are under the cap with a think is approximately $61. something million and new england has roughly $7 million under the cap if we really want wallace, we will get wallace! It’s just economics, so lets get him on our side ASAP!!!
WHO DEY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thegrassisGREENer18 - February 19, 2012
I’m sorry but these are incorrect. He’s not our best playmaker (Antonio Brown), and there is no way he is on the level Fitz, Johnson, Johnson, or any other complete receiver. He’s fast, but that’s about it. He won’t fight for the ball, he’s not a great route runner, and he is probably even less physical than DeSean Jackson. He’s nice to have, but no way is he worth what I hear he may be offered. If it came to that, I’d just thank you guys for the first round pick. None of our receivers were picked higher than the third round, so I have no doubt that we could find someone to replace him.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
I know this part
but he would make a hell of a compliment to Green, Shipley, and Gresham
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
No doubting that man. That’s is exactly what he’d be best for, complimenting. If you put Wallace on the Browns, I truly believe that he’d be nothing. He’d be taken out of every game.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
oh I know
plus it takes away someone who kills the Bengals and makes our D better against you guys, he’s your speed guy we don’t have a match for.
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
True, but if you remember in the first game, it was Brown who was killing you guys. All those third down conversions. That’s why I like Brown so much better, he’s small, but he sure plays big, and he’ll kill for the ball if need be.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
cause
we had to double Wallace, is the only reason
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
The plays I remember were five wides that Brown was blanketed and still made the catches. Remember that drive that he had like 70 yards? 50, but then we got a hold, and he picked up all the yards?
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
doesn't ring a bell
however, I just know we don’t have anyone to cover wallace 1 on 1, and neither does Pitt or B-More, helps our D and Def. helps our O
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
Yeah, it would help, I just don’t think he’s worth top 5 receiver money. you can’t spend that kind of cash just to not have to double cover. I don’t think any team has anyone that can cover him one on one on out routes, but…everything else…
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
agreed
but when you have the luxury of 2 #1’s, and 60mill to play with, and your on the verge of something great, front load his contract and keep adding playmakers, if we wanna compete with Pitt and B-More year in and year out, we must make these kind of moves
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
btw
I know it doesn’t cripple you guys, but it hurts, it sure the hell doesn’t help the Steelers, that’s always a positive
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
That is true, but even overspending for one player can create a nasty trickle down effect, look at the Raiders. I just feel like there are more pressing issues with your team.
How do you feel about Routt? Do you think he’s worth big money? I know you guys have a need at CB.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
we don't really have to overspend
just offer more than Pittsburgh, shouldn’t be hard considering your guys cap situation ;)
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
I’m telling you (and every Bengals, Browns, and Ravens fan I encounter) that situation is blown out of proportion. Just by restructuring 3 deals and cutting 2 players it went from 22 to 25 over down to about 7. If Ben and Woodley do the same, we will be under. We also have big contracts that can be gotten rid of, like Colon, Smith, Hampton, and one of the two ILB’s. I’m not saying it’s not an issue, but it’s not as big as people think. Omar Khan is a freaking genius when it comes to this stuff.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
I know
it’s just, the more you have to spend on one player…the more players your gonna have to cut, say the Bengals offer him 3-5 million more than Pitt, that’s probably 1 or 2 good players you have to cut or 5-7 decent to mediocre players, win, win in my book for the Bengals
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
I really don’t think they’d sign him if Cincy (or any team) drove up the price like that. They’d just say “thanks for the free pick, we’ll replace Wallace in the third round for 300k a year”
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
exactly
then Cincy has him, maybe you guys get a bust with that pick (hopefully) maybe it takes a couple years for the player to pan out, almost always does for a late 1st, either way Bengals win, you guys always seem to pull a rabbit out of the hat though so nothing would surprise me, but I’d be willing to do this scenario just because we know what Wallace is capable of in the NFL, nobody knows how a draft pick is going to pan out.
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
Very true. Well, obviously I hope the worst for you :)
Actually, I hope for the best for you guys, just not against us, and not in the division race. Take a wild card and like it lol.
Just kidding, I don’t think we’re going to have a good season next year. It’s going to be a down year.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
let's hope
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
btw
that’s my point, we have $ to spend and I’d rather have a known commodity than an unknown any day of the week
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
KCJoyner from ESPN
The sports scientist uses specific metrics and his specific metrics labeled Wallace the top receiver in the NFL last year. Ok, he is not the best receiver, but I think he is top ten if not top five. Antonio Brown doesn’t is a good receiver but he will get much more attention with Wallace gone. I like Sanders and Cotchery, but losing Wallace would hurt.
Nick_Crago - February 19, 2012
Antonio Brown is a good receiver*
Nick_Crago - February 19, 2012
I’ve heard such things, I don’t know..I’m not really in to the “advanced metrics”, I’m just going by what I’ve seen by watching all the games this year and using the “eye test”. He was awesome through October-mid November.
I’m not saying losing Wallace wouldn’t hurt, I’m just not sure it would be crippling, and I definitely don’t want us to pay him the kind of money I’m hearing he will command.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
Very Close Then
I’ll give you that he’s not in the top 5 with those guys YET, let’s not forget he’s only been the league for 3 years, and he’s 25. He’s potential is through the roof. And your out of your mind if you think Antonio Brown is your best playmaker, Antonio Brown didn’t draw the double coverages, Wallace did, if anything Brown should go thank Wallace for opening things up for him. With injuies to big ben affecting his play with all that said he still had 72 rec. for 1200 yards and 8 TD’s. So he by far is your best playmaker
thegrassisGREENer18 - February 19, 2012
Well, from what I’ve seen, there is a damn good reason he fell to the third round. He has some good tools (speed and…..speed) and potential to get better, but he is not worth 8-10 million a year. Any team that offers him that, I will laugh at forever.
You are out of your mind if you don’t think Brown is. Unless you watch every Steeler game, you are most likely repeating what you heard on TV somewhere. Well, those guys also said Arians should be considered for head coach.
Brown makes clutch catches, runs routes well, fights for the ball, beats people deep, has exceptional speed and quickness and his a high football IQ
Wallace can….run deep…. oh, and run an end around every once in awhile. If the ball isn’t placed directly in his hands, he wants no part of it. He will not put extra effort in to go after poorly thrown balls, he won’t come back toward the QB on a broken play to try to give him an option when he’s scrambling, and he’s not a good route runner.
You can use that tired and lazy "Browns’ only good because of Wallace crap, but it’s not true. Brown was being double covered by you guys in the first game, he still made clutch third down catch after clutch third down catch. Espn says he didn’t draw double coverages, and they also exaggerate the amount of double coverages Wallace had. Again, this is from watching every game in Wallace’s career (and obviously Brown and Sanders’ as well)
1200 yards and 8 tds makes him the best playmaker? Are you being serious by using that as your reason? Wallace disappeared down the stretch because of what seems like being pissed that Brown was doing so well. He started dropping easy passes, putting the ball on the ground, and not bothering to finish his routes.
He had 90 more yards than Brown in 3 less catches, so I’m not sure how that is “by far”, and let’s not forget that he ALSO had over 1000 return yards….
So..you were saying?
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
I love this justification...
because if there weren’t a chance that he’d leave Pitt, you would be saying that he’s the best in the league. He sure is the fastest on your team and is, quite possibly, the biggest deep threat in the league. Only person more dangerous at 30+ yards downfield is Calvin Johnson, Stevie Johnson, and A.J. Green. Fitz is a YAC receiver.
And at 11 million over the cap, you might be able to sign Moss, TO, or Jerome Simpson to replace him!
Mike Fightmaster - February 20, 2012
What is it with people on this site, and Browns fans that think they know what you’d say, or the motivation for you saying something? Please explain how it makes any sense that I would say the obvious truth about Wallace because of the possibility to he leaves. How can you possibly justify that? I’ll help you, you can’t. And if you were so inclined, you could do a search on my name on sb nation and look for comments I’ve made about him starting around November. But then again, I’m imagining you wouldn’t let something like a fact ruin your opinion.
No one said he’s not good at going deep boss. That’s not a great receiver. Mark Rypien wasn’t that good of a qb, but he was awesome at throwing deep. There’s a difference.
As far as signing anyone, that’s what bad teams do (spend too much money for a player like Wallace)
FrankWyt - February 20, 2012
Did everyone forget who owns the Benfals?
I can’t believe this crazy talk of 20 million to Wallace.
Then give up a first round pick.
Nice Sunday diversion!
BENGALS69 - February 19, 2012
Exactly - Mikey Boy might be getting better, but let's not get carried away....
TX Bengal - February 19, 2012
Depends on How Badly MB wants to hurt the Squeelers
MB has plenty of cap room the Steeler’s do not, it is an interesting idea will the Bengal’s give it a chot doubtfull.
oosterling - February 19, 2012
A much, much better way to improve the team and weaken a divisional rival (the ravens - i.e. the team that actually won and swept the division last year)
Would be to sign LG Ben Grubbs. OG is much a much, much, much more critical need than #2 receiver. Our guards are woefully deficient. Plus, you would not have to surrender a first round pick!! For all those who say signing mike wallace is a “win-win”, it most certainly is NOT. That is the entire point of RESTRICTED free agency – the team who losses the restricted free agent gets compensation, in the form of a draft pick, in return. Plus, the SteAlers would be alleviate from having to pay Wallace a huge contract with guaranteed money, so if the Bengals did sign him, it would actually help the SteAlers out with the cap. I think the SteAlers would actually welcome Wallace signing an offer sheet they can’t match for the reasons just stated . Namely, they get a first rounder in return ( thus giving them two first round picks), and they get extra cap room breathing space knowing they won’t have to pay Wallace top dollar over the next 7 seasons. Remember, too, that the SteAlers drafted wallace in the third round, meaning that if even they lost Wallace, thy would be more than confident that they’d eventually be able to find his replacement at some point in the draft.
Bottom line, no thanks on mike Wallace. Clearly, not a “win-win” (again, that is the whole point of RFA – the team losing the player gets substantial compensation in return). Antonio Brown is the SteAlers receiver I’d Moët want anyway – more physical of a receiver, still has deep speed like Wallace, and is a great return man.
No thanks on Wallace.
Yes, thanks, on Big Ben Grubbs ( who would like sign an overall contract tht is half that of Wallace). Grubbs, likely will sign for ~5-years/$40M, whereas Wallace will likely get $80 over the life of his next contract (likely 7 years) .
The_Black_Stripes - February 19, 2012
why can't we do both
we have 60 million
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
We could
But I still want 2 first round picks, and I do NOT want the StEALers to have two first round picks!!
Also, why couldn’t the Bengals draft our own “Mike Wallace”?? He was a third round pick!!
The_Black_Stripes - February 19, 2012 via mobile
1st rounder doesn't = gaurantee
we could sign Grubbs and Wallace and watch Pitt and B-more squirm while getting 2 great players
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
Free agency is equally bo "guarantee", especially with recent free agent wide receiver signings.
Just look at Sidney Rice last year (who was more hyped, and more productive than Wallace is now). Went to Seattle and disappeared.
Same with T.J., Laverneaous coles, Antonio Bryant. Free agent Wide receivers, like the draft, are no sure things. Plus, they usually cost, at minimum, 5 times what a draft pick costs.
The_Black_Stripes - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Rice was doing well until he got Ir’ed He had almost 500 yards and a 15 yard average in half a season.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
The point is, Free Agency in general (and free agent wide receivers specifically)
Is no guarantee – much like the draft.
No on Wallace as a RFA. If he were an UFA, that’s a differmt story.
The_Black_Stripes - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Oh, I know. I’m glad we don’t go fishing for FA’s.
I’d even take it a little farther than what you said and say FA’s don’t work out far more often than they do work out. Of course I have no evidence, it just seems like for every J Joseph there are 20 bad signings
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
The point is, Free Agency in general (and free agent wide receivers specifically)
Is no guarantee – much like the draft.
No on Wallace as a RFA. If he were an UFA, that’d be a different story!
The_Black_Stripes - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Would Pittsburgh do it to us if the ah
Makebelieve - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Would Pittsburgh do it to us if the shoe was on the other foot?
I think pittsburgh wouldn’t give it a second thought myself!
Makebelieve - February 19, 2012 via mobile
No they wouldn’t. Who’s the last big name free agent they’ve gone after? The biggest in recent memory is Ryan Clark, and his career was in serious jeopardy at the time because he was getting cut from his first two teams.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
well...yeah
but you guys have been steady since forever, we’re playing catch up now that Brown has given over control, seems to be a great way to “catch up” if you ask me
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
Here are more reason this Wallace deal is nuts
He isn’t in Tom Brady’s class of talent or value. Nor Drew Bree’s, Rogers or Manning in his prime. Why pay Wallace like he is, even for one season?
Mike Brown saves cap space and never spends up to it.
He has his own players coming due before that 89 percent rule goes into effect.
AJ and Dalton could get extended before the start of the 2013 season. Big bucks indeed.
Then there are all the reasons Black Stripe listed.
Nuts.
BENGALS69 - February 19, 2012
Agree.
Just one point of clarification, under the new CBA, A.J.‘s and A.D.’s rookie deals cannot be extended until after the 2013season, not before.
Pursuant to Section 3(k)(i) of the new CBA, “A rookie contract for a drafter player may NOT be renegotiated, amended or altered in any way until after the final regular season game of the player’s third contract year.”
Thus, A.J. And Andy’s rookie deals cannot be extended until after the 2013 season. This means the Bengals cannot meet next year’s cash spend minimum by simply renegotiating A.J.‘s or Andy’s rookie deals. They simply are not allowed to renegotiate with those players until one year AFTER the minimum cash spend rule goes into effect.
The_Black_Stripes - February 19, 2012
prevents player holdouts
Jason Blanton - February 20, 2012
Would be a great move
1. Hurt the Steelers.
2. The guy makes defenses game plan – he’s proven to be a very good player.
occams_tiger_teeth - February 19, 2012
First Instinct is the Best.
Bengals lose 20 million in cap space.
Bengals lose a 1st round draft pick.
The price is just to high vs the return.
This is Calvin Johnson money.
Chili Dog - February 19, 2012
5 year, 35mil with 16mil roster bonus
not calvin johnson money
Jason Blanton - February 20, 2012
The only thing I would give the stealers
Is a dirt nap! No no no! This is just a horrible idea! Their strapped for cash so we take away one of their high paid guys just to give them a first round pick in return. That’s a win win for them. Gives them cap space and an extra 1st rnd pick. They’re still over the cap right now so they still have to make moves to have space for the draft and they can’t get into FA. Let them and their bandwagon fans rot in their own misery.
Bigcatdaddy - February 19, 2012 via Android app
hahahahahahhaha. The old “bandwagon fans” thing. Even funnier “rot in their own misery”
You should consider seeing a shrink for these anger issues. We’ll be fine. I don’t know if you just started watching football or something, but getting into free agency isn’t really something we do, so no problem there. The moves to get under the cap will be done by the end of the month, and it won’t even require cutting people (except the ones that deserve to be cut). Signing draft picks won’t be a problem either.
Should it not all work, and we have an awful season (say…8-8) it will be alright, as long as we don’t get our 8th losing season in 42 years, I can accept a down year if it means coming back in 2013 a lot stronger than this season. Definitely no misery here
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
I don't have anger issues
Just hate shittsburg and it’s fans. If you don’t like people talking shit about your team maybe you should stay on your own blog. I’ve been watching football since 87’ and the squilers don’t usually do much in FA and their not going to this year and it’s not by choice. You say your GM is genius when it comes to working out cap issues then how did they end up in the situation they’re in now. Oh everything is fine in shittsburg! If it was fine why are they going to ask the rapest to restructure his contract. Regardless they have to cut players so I don’t consider that fine. Go choke on that yellow piece of TP you guys wave around.
Bigcatdaddy - February 19, 2012 via Android app
Why si much hostility?
He has been fairly respectful and provides a different perspective that we might not think about being primarily Bengals fans. How about not hating every Pittsburg fan and just let him be. Not like he came here being an asshole and flaming. Just giving his two cents. Not all Pitssburg fans (or any other team for that matter) are assholes, so try to stop being one yourself. Just because you’re using the internet as an interface doesn’t mean you aren’t interacting with other people. Grow up and try to treat PEOPLE with some common dignity.
Luke - February 19, 2012
I wasn't talking to him
And he chose to reply directly to me so I feel free to reply back as I see fit. I’m sorry if I said anything to upset you or your buddy and this is a free sight so if you don’t like my comments feel free to ignore them ;-)
Bigcatdaddy - February 19, 2012 via Android app
Well duh..this is an internet forum. You make a comment, someone makes a comment back, and discussion ensues. When you grow up you’ll understand.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
I'm with you bro
F shitsburgh and their fans, i love my grandpa but F his team!
Trevor 85 - February 19, 2012
Sounds like anger issues to me. If a sports team inspires that type of mentality, you have issues. You should look in to it before a fast food worker gets chopped up and thrown in a dumpster for not leaving the pickles off of your burger.
I’ll continue to come on this blog though, and respond to comments like yours. It’s not that I don’t like it, I just find the stuff the stuff people like you choose to use when “talking shit”. That whole bandwagon thing is silly. That’s the same thing Browns fans always say. And things like “shittsburgh” and “squeelers” and “stealers” are just old, sad, and pathetic. At least be clever about it.
It’s more funny to me that anything. If you say crazy stuff, this is a public blog, you should expect a response.
Even if they had the choice in FA, it would be the same thing it is every year. If there’s a cheap FA to fill a role, they’ll go get him.
Omar Khan is not the GM though, it’s important that you know that. So, I didn’t say the GM is a genius at working the cap. I did say he was a genius at drafting in the first round though, since only one person he drafted isn’t currently playing, and that guy’s career was ended by injury.
But the answer to your question is that the cap is lower this year than it was in 09, and they were expecting an increase. They also have dead money on the books from a few contracts. They also aren’t comfortable trying to cheap out on a team to where they’d have 60 million dollars because the owner doesn’t care about winning. (or, didn’t care about winning)
I didn’t say everything was fine, but it’s not as big of a deal as you hope it is, and like I said, if it doesn’t work out, and we have a bad year (8-8) I can live with it. They ask to restructure contracts to move the money around, as they’ve already done with a few other players. I don’t know how you could possibly think that restructuring makes them “not fine” . They restructure in order to make them fine. We will see if they have to cut, but I can tell you right now, there are a few that I hope will get cut, and I know they will be the first to go, so again, it’s all good.
what’s a “rapest”? like…a woman that raps?
But on to more important things, my aunt is a psychiatrist, she is in the Detroit area, but if I explain the situation, she’ll come out to you. Let me know sir.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
Yeah, tell her to call me
My probation officer says I need to see one so why not her;-) . Look I didn’t mean to disrespect you as a person, just a little ribbing between fans of different teams. Being a Bengals fan I’ve grow thick skin. If it bothers some so much maybe the WPGA is more suited. Do you think when Ben signed his contract he though he would have to restructure it a few years later? I’m not arguing over a subject that is pure opinion but I can say this as a fact, it’s great to be a Bengals fan! WHO DEY bitches!!!
Bigcatdaddy - February 19, 2012 via Android app
Dude i thought it was funny
njbengalstat - February 19, 2012
Ur rant was great
njbengalstat - February 19, 2012
Thank you njbengal
I appreciate a sense of humor. Sometimes it’s good to just let go.but I personally bash anyone it’s just hard to detect a persons intent through text. I do hope that the stealers fall apart though and if anyone on here thinks their fans wish the Bengals well is just naive.
Bigcatdaddy - February 19, 2012 via Android app
That’s not true, because I do. Not against us obviously, but in every other game, especially against the Ravens and Browns. Actually we have more than a couple over at BTSC who wish your team well. (again, just not against us)
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
Don't try
To personally bash. It’s hard to multi task and text.
Bigcatdaddy - February 19, 2012 via Android app
Dont ever mean to personally bash. My bad
Bigcatdaddy - February 19, 2012 via Android app
Everyone has to vent
And there is nobody better then steeler fans to vent on. See dont u feel better now ha
njbengalstat - February 19, 2012
You didn’t disrespect me as a person, I’m not offended. I just think the bandwagon comments are funny. Everything else in my reply was just explaining to you that it’s not as dark as fans of other AFCN teams wish it was around here. If you notice, every year, everyone is positive that we are done as a team. The last 3 years it’s been that we are too old on defense, yet, in all three years we were a top 3 defense.
As far as whether Ben thought he’d have to restructure, I’d imagine not. But an even better question is, do I think Woodley thought he’d have to when he signed his big deal LAST YEAR. Now that’s crazy to me. But when they do that, they aren’t sacrificing anything, they just move where the money is to a different year that helps the team. So, someone like Ben who has already made a buttload of cash, isn’t going to be hurt by taking his big roster bonus in 2014 instead of this year, or whatever the case may be. Ike Taylor redid his deal (also signed before last season) as well, but he’s still getting every penny that is guaranteed. This could all have to be done again with different players next season, but the cap is expected to make a big jump either next year, or the year after.
And it should be great to be a Bengals fan, it’s an exciting time for you guys right now, and it seems like up is the only way to go.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
Whats funny about the bandwagon comment
njbengalstat - February 19, 2012
Because fans of teams that have been less than successful in recent (or in all their) history always make themselves feel better by claiming that any fan of a good team is “on the bandwagon”. I never understood the phenomenon, but whatever. It’s way less common here than at the Browns sites, that’s all any of their members can say. It’s sad really.
Here is the plan of attack for angry fans of not so good teams.
1) say they cheat/buy refs
2) call their fans bandwagon
3) if you can’t say anything about their team because they keep winning, then bring up off the field stuff while talking about football.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
U know they pay the refs ha
njbengalstat - February 19, 2012
No, they don’t. Sissies bribe, we just show them pictures of their family and say how it would be a shame if something happened to them.
You can think they do, that’s fine, but the reality is that it’s a loser mentality to use excuses for successful teams.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
U dont see the calls because your cheering for them
njbengalstat - February 19, 2012
right. That’s usually the next ridiculous excuse in line. I’m fully aware of when we get away with one, when we have bad calls/no calls that work against us, and when we have calls that could go either way.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
Exactly! While Wallace certainly would improve the Bengals, the cost of doing so (as you perfectly stated because he is a RFA) is simply not worth it.
The_Black_Stripes - February 19, 2012
Way too much of a gamble. Hell, it’s too much of a gamble for us to keep him at the price people are talking.
FrankWyt - February 19, 2012
I love the strategy
My preference for FA is OG and CB but I love the strategy of pursuing Wallace for the reasons already made by Adam Schefter. Screwing with the Steelers is always a good idea. Bottom line, if we give up a 1st round pick for a Pro Bowl caliber WR early in his career I’m good with it -as long as Wallace is in good health, has a good attitude, and runs his routes.
Jim Spann - February 19, 2012
Did yall forget we still have Shipley?
Green is our deep threat that can stretch feild. We need dependable possession wr on our team. I understand Wallace fast but why get a deep threat when throwing deep may be our qb biggest weakness. And the fact he would be expensive plus cost us a defensive player.
pray4gm11 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
+1
Best thing I’ve seen from you yet Pray ;-) where ya been?
Bigcatdaddy - February 19, 2012 via Android app
I look at it this way...
We COULD give up a first rounder and a 20 million dollar bonus for Wallace (which would be like trading the right half of Carson Palmer for a Wallace …
or we could….
Pick up OG-Nicks/Grubbs, SS-Branch, CB-Routte, WR-Colston/Manningham and maybe even RB-Bush or FS-Huff if we negotiate while still picking up all of our players and keeping our 2nd first rounder, so we can really do some damage with the Free Agency even without having to give the Steelers a single cent. I mean let’s face it the Steelers aren’t the only team hitting the cap limit dont forget, about the Saints (if Brees sticks it to the franchise), Oakland, and Baltimore could be pretty strapped too after having to pay hard core for Ray Rice.
ARoo - February 19, 2012
Take WR Kendall Wright in the 1st round..
Instead of giving the Steelers (Our division rival), another 1st round pick to work with.
Bengal4ever - February 19, 2012
Bigcatdaddy said a mouthfull there!lol
…Let ’em rot in their own misery! U the man!
Makebelieve - February 20, 2012 via mobile
I say go for it
worse case senerio the steelers must clean house and get to keep wallace…
Best case senerio they have to clean house and lose wallace
Bengalsfan024 - February 20, 2012
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