Things appear at a crossroads for the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the team has worked to improve its lines, receiver Mike Wallace has no plans to join the team any time soon. Would a team like the St. Louis Rams pay up to take him?
Ben Roethlisberger wants Wallace back but his price has front office blocked
Now more than ever the Steelers know the future of their franchise rests on the health of their quarterback. Not just his health but his happiness too. That was why Pittsburgh spent their top two draft picks on offensive linemen. While Ben Roethlisberger liked the picks, his bigger concern rests on the future of his favorite wide receiver. Mike Wallace made it clear from the start he has no plans to join the team for any football activity until they give him the contract he wants. It's a sad part of everyday NFL business but Big Ben only hopes the Pittsburgh executives do the right thing and work out a deal. Wallace isn't just his favorite receiver but considered one of the best in the AFC, and perhaps the league. Many quarterbacks would love to have his blazing speed on the outside. While the Pittsburgh Steelers officially don't plan on moving Wallace, the fact is his trade could bring major benefits in the future. The vaunted defense led by All-Pros like Troy Polamalu and James Harrison has gotten old. Trading Wallace could bring in valuable high draft picks that a great front office like Pittsburgh could use. The question is what team might pay a high enough price?
Jeff Fisher needs some state to get Sam Bradford on his side with new Rams
One team that had a wild off-season was the St. Louis Rams. After hiring Coach Jeff Fisher, they gained and then lost defensive coördinator Gregg Williams to suspension for the New Orléans Saints bounty scandal. The team then traded its number two pick in 2012 draft to the Washington Redskins for three first round picks all the way into 2014. They then used that ammunition to reshape the roster. That hasn't quieted critics though. Some think the Rams didn't make a big enough effort to find help for young quarterback Sam Bradford in the wide receiver area. They could have gotten Oklahoma State product Justin Blackmon but chose to trade down for more picks. They also had several shots at LSU talent Reuben Randal but passed every time. Fans aren't happy with their team, especially since Bradford will have his third different offense in three years. The Rams need a big move to gain trust from their quarterback, and trading for Mike Wallace may just do that. Thanks to the Redskins, St. Louis has the draft picks to work a deal with Pittsburgh and Wallace would welcome it because it moves him to a team that plays indoors. This would bring out the most in his rare gift for speed.
The Pittsburgh Steelers don't have a history of major trades but at the rate their defense is aging and Ben Roethlisberger is taking hits, perhaps the time calls for an emergency move. Mike Wallace isn't the best receiver in the NFL but he is the fastest. Teams desperate for wide receiver help might take that alone. Sam Bradford trusted the St. Louis Rams to get him help and so far they haven't answered the bell. Maybe the time has come for them to open the treasure chest of draft picks.
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