Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace was one of the hot names coming into the free agency period. Despite the cost of a first round pick for signing him, there appeared to be at least some risk of the Steelers losing him. Apparently, though interest in him has dried up, with two weeks left the April 20 deadline for signing restricted free agents to an offer sheet.
Part of the lack of interest is because the two teams that were rumored to be interested in Wallace have already addressed the receiver position, according to an article on Pro Football Talk by Michael David Smith.
Adam Schefter noted on ESPN today that before free agency started, the 49ers and Patriots were the two teams seen as most likely to go after Wallace. However, the 49ers have added Mario Manningham and Randy Moss, the Patriots have added Brandon Lloyd, Donte Stallworth and Anthony Gonzalez, and both teams now appear set to stick with the receivers they have.
Smith goes on to say that this lack of interest could be due to teams not wanting to sacrifice such a high pick for Wallace despite his abilities. He also speculates that it could be that he is asking for such an extravagant contract that could drive a lot of teams away.
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