It Makes Sense for Bengals, Patriots to Pursue Mike Wallace in Free Agency

Adam Schefter recently answered a question in his mailbag on ESPN.com as to why the Pittsburgh Steelers would consider letting star wide receiver Mike Wallace go. Schefter’s response:

It’s not that Pittsburgh would let Wallace go, Kevin. It’s that the Steelers might not have a choice. Here’s the point to remember here, whether or not they lose Wallace: The Steelers are now vulnerable to losing him. They’re about $11 million over the salary cap as of now, they need to trim more contracts to get under the cap and they’re in a tough spot. If a team such as the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers or New England Patriots wants to sign Wallace to an offer sheet, whether he’s tendered at the first-round level or franchised, then that team can load up that contract with a big roster bonus that would count against the Steelers’ salary cap this season. If Wallace signs an offer sheet that contains a $20 million roster bonus, the Steelers are left with two choices: they can match the offer sheet, keep Wallace and then have to cut $20 million worth of players; or they can decline to match, lose Wallace and get that cap space along with a first-round pick. The point is, Pittsburgh is in a very difficult position. And one of those aforementioned teams can make life a lot tougher for Pittsburgh if it wants. Of course Pittsburgh wants to keep Wallace. But when it comes to the salary cap, teams can’t do everything they want.

Personally, I think it makes a ton of sense for two specific teams to make huge offers for Wallace: The Patriots and the Bengals. The Patriots and Bengals are specific names for multiple reasons. One of which is that both teams have two first round selections in April, and could afford to give up the bounty it would take to sign Wallace.

Second, both have needs for a second wide receiver on the roster.

I think it makes a ton of sense for the Bengals to pursue Wallace, mainly because they can afford it, they have the extra first round pick, they could use a dynamic playmaker to pair with A.J. Green, and it would take the best receiver off of arguably the best team in their division. The Steelers have cap issues right now, and could have a hard time finding $20 million worth of contracts to cut.

I think the Bengals getting Wallace would be a significant upgrade to their roster, would be affordable for them, and they could take away from a division rival. That sounds like a big win for Cincy in my opinion if they can make it happen.