Citing a source close to the wide receiver, the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to place a restricted free agent tender on wide receiver Mike Wallace, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Wallace's tender will most likely be at the "First Round" level, which carries a non-guaranteed base salary of $2.742 million for the 2012 season,if a team signed Wallace to an offer sheet that the Steelers declined to match, the new team would compensate the Steelers with a first round draft choice. The New England Patriots, who have a need at receiver and possess two first round picks, could have interest in Wallace, as could the San Francisco 49ers, who have the 30th overall pick in the draft, both clubs have ample cap space to offer a front-loaded contract that could be difficult for the Steelers to match. There had been thought that with the elimination of the "First- and Third-Round" tender in the new collective bargaining agreement, the Steelers would use the franchise tag on Wallace to keep potential suitors at bay. The franchise tag for a wide receiver is projected to be worth $9.443 million, which is fully guaranteed, but would result in the compensation of two first round picks if a team were to sign him to an offer sheet. Source: Mac's Football Blog
im indifferent to whether they sign him long term or lose him for a first. i just dont want them to pay him a ton of money one year and have him play unhappy and unmotivated and walk for nothing next year
