Wallace's availability could affect DeSean
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Wallace's availability could affect DeSean
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
I've written at length in the past few weeks about how the market will affect DeSean Jackson's future - either in Philadelphia, or elsewhere.
But one name that I haven't brought up until now is Mike Wallace.
The possibility of the Steelers parting ways with Wallace seems to be incerasing. Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has an excellent breakdown of the situation. Basically, the Steelers are about $10M over the cap, and Wallace is a restricted free agent. They can serve up a one-year tender, and if another team makes Wallace an offer, the Steelers have the right to match it. But if they don't, he can sign elsewhere, and Pittsburgh would receive a first-round pick in return.
In the past, teams would have had to give up a first- and third-round pick to sign Wallace. But with the new CBA, it's just a first-rounder.
So, what does this have to do with Jackson? He and Wallace are two of the premier young deep threats in the game, and teams could have a chance to potentially make a run at each of them.
If the Eagles franchise Jackson, but make it known that he can be had for the right offer, suitors would have to meet two requirements:
1. The Eagles' asking price in a trade.
2. Jackson's asking price for a new contract.
Teams wanting Wallace (assuming the Steelers offer the one-year tender) would have to give up a first-round pick and offer up a new deal that Pittsburgh doesn't match.
Wallace and Jackson rank first and second, respectively, in catches of 25+ yards the last two seasons, according to ESPN's NFL Live. The two receivers averaged the exact same yards per catch last year (16.6). And among wide receivers with at least 40 catches in 2010, Jackson (22.5) and Wallace (21.0) finished first and second in yards per catch.
Here's a look at how their receiving numbers stack up the past two seasons:
| Games | Catches/g. | Yds./g. | Yds./catch | TDs | |
| Wallace | 32 | 4.1 | 76.6 | 18.6 | 18 |
| Jackson | 29 | 3.6 | 69.6 | 19.2 | 10 |
Wallace has the edge in every category except for yards per catch. However, it should be noted that Jackson's best statistical year - 2009 - was not included here (I used the last two seasons because Wallace didn't become a full-time starter until 2010). Jackson also had two touchdowns (one rushing, one returning) that are not included in the chart above.
Both are 25 years old; Jackson is four months younger. Jackson is listed at 5-10, 175 pounds; Wallace at 6-0, 199. Wallace hasn't missed a game in three NFL seasons. Jackson has missed two games in four seasons because of injury, and one more for disciplinary reasons. He's suffered two concussions.
The two areas where Jackson receives a large degree of criticism are drops and his red-zone performance. In the past two seasons, Jackson has dropped 13.2 percent of the catchable balls thrown his way (using data from Pro Football Focus, STATS.com and my own game charting). Wallace has dropped 8.6 percent of the catchable balls thrown his way.
And here are the red zone numbers since 2010:
| RZ catches | RZ TDs | |
| Wallace | 9 | 4 |
| Jackson | 6 | 2 |
Wallace has the edge here as well, although he's not a prolific red-zone target.
Here's the paragraph that stuck out from the Bouchette piece I referenced above:
Here's the question the Steelers and other prospective suitors in free agency must determine: Did defenses figure out Mike Wallace finally as the one-trick pony that Mike Tomlin long declared he was? Wallace is at his best running the "go" routes and outside flag patterns, where he has a chance to outrun someone. However, when faced with cover two defenses and safeties hanging deep, he's not as effective. He does not seem to fight for the ball at times and even gives up on some when covered.
Part of that evaluation could certainly be applied to Jackson.
Teams needing a vertical threat could have plenty of options this offseason - Wallace, Jackson and Vincent Jackson (also a potential unrestricted free agent) could all be available. And Baylor's Kendall Wright is receiving buzz as a potential first-round pick.
They are all players to keep an eye on as we see which teams make use of the franchise tag and which agree to long-term deals with their own players in the coming weeks.
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if your QB is A) standing on the sideline because of broken ribs - it makes no different who the WR is - B) too busy running around like a chicken w/o a head - it makes no difference who your WR is - C) if your QB is too busy turning the ball over - it makes no difference who your WR is,, just saying! Oh and good luck Juan with all your "hard work" & 22.5 hour work days this coming season— With all this talent who needs a real defensive coordinator 2011- I am not sure I would give up the #15 pick for Mike Wallace, then have to pay him 10mil/year-but if it happens, see ya Desean Alligater arm, son of a Pinkston.— tommy_the_k
- I would rather have Mike Wallace. He is not one head injury away from retirement, little drama and a good complement to Maclin.— Clt Philly Fan
- LOVE WALLACE, BUT WOULD RATHER GET VINCENT JACKSON— DONDEN31
- agreed and VJ in last 3 years has only dropped 5% of passes his way, 5th in NFL, where DeSean is near bottom of NFL ranked 41st. — crohnkiller
- Unless there are no other options, why give up a pick? Look at the UFAs and use the picks to get some depth...or actual starting LBs and Safeties.— tpizza
- Yes Sir Agreed !!!!
Two linebackers out of first three picks.
I prefer Vontaze Burfict, even if only plays 50% of the snaps his rookie year.
His MEAN streak will rub off and I miss that the most about our defense.
— dmanphilly - What about ducks & drops?— jjthree
- And it doesn't matter what the front office or Andy Reid have to say about it, even if they say they are 100% behind one decision, they could easily be LYING ABOUT IT. Love the team, DESPISE the organization off the field. Lying, greedy sacks of garbage, all of them.— girouxforpresident
- VINCENT JACKSON !!!— techdiver
- Is this even a debate? Really? Mike Wallace makes the Steelers a better team. DeSean Jackson is a clown who isn't even that good. Steelers= six rings/Eagles= zero rings. Maybe we should stop pretending we're just a few lucky bounces away from winning the Super Bowl and go and get as many good/better players as possible. Maybe?— rubicon24
- Mike Wallace had little to do with the Steelers 5 rings prior to him being there so it's a moot point that Pitt has 6 to Philly's 0. and They are the same player. If they want a change, get VJax or Bowe, not another guy who just runs 9 routes and catches deep balls — bjm5028
- Keep your own guys. Have we learned nothing from dabbling in free agency? Have we learned nothing from watching Washington dabble in free agency? Maybe you get one or two key players and another two or three role players through free agency, but you win by building through the draft.— kingsolomonsmind
- Say what you want to about Mike Wallace....the Steelers aren't going to just let him get away. To be honest, he's most likely going to stay put. Don't read too much into what coach Tomlin supposedly said about Wallace. The Steelers are just " postering " to see what interest there is out there. Andy Reid is NOT going to give up a 1st round pick for a WR when he could get one from free agency. AND....Andy isn't going to get a WR in free agency or the draft because from past experience, Andy likes to get offensive and defensive lineman. All this talk about WRs in free agency or the draft is just talk. Andy is going to get a defensive tackle, defensive end or another guard ( in case they don't bring back Evan Mathis ) to challenge the " incumbants " at those positions in training camp. Andy values they guys in the " trenches " and the more guys he can have in training camp to promote " healthy " competition....the better. No matter who you guys say is a " clown ", or who drops more passes, whatever! FORGETABOUT IT! I fail to see why the author of this article here and everyone else jumps in and spends valuable time talking about something we all know WON'T HAPPEN!— tony b
- Sure, and Vincent Jackson isn't a head case???????— oakmontleo
- Tony B is right.— kingsolomonsmind
- Just franchise Jackson have him play this season for the Eagles. Don't spend that 15th pick on a receiver, for crying out loud.— p-diddy
- Who cares about any other WR out there? Sign Desean, get an above average LB and let's roll! The Mike Vick Experience needs De-Jax for his deep threat passes? Think Maclin can handle those passes? NO! JUST PAY THE MAN!!!!!— Panthro2011
- No one in their right mind would pay Jackson more than 3-4 million a year. If they franchise him for $10 mil, who is going to pick that up? No one, and we will be right back to where we started except we would set the example for rewarding petulance and mediocrity. How can Jackson and his agent even say he is a top 5 receiver with a straight face? Facts do not back it up.— chris_r
Comment removed.- Even ten year old kids know that it was the quatrterback's poor play that made the Eagles an 8-8 team. Why can't you just admit it— mario1239
- Jackson has comparable stats and he was on a team with 3 QBs and a weak offensive line. How many times was Jackson wide open but the ball never came his way? Throw away last season. Jackson is the best available receiver and a great return guy. Re-sign Jackson ASAP.— MikeP
- @mario6969, you're breathing snot bubbles, son. The Mike Vick Experience made the Eagles competitive. Rotund Reid is the one that helped make it 8-8. Get your facts straight before you wake up out your basement in your Mommy's house!— Panthro2011
- How about a straight up trade with Pittsburgh. We give them Jackson for Wallace.— DKNJ
- it will never happen.
the Steelers don't try to add low-character malcontents to their roster. They remove them, even when they can play.
— ekw555 - I like Mike Wallace, but wouldn't give up a #1 for him or pay him large money.
Vincent Jackson is not only a head case but overrated. Yes, he's big and fast, and yes, he'll have some good games. But he won't be the main reason any team has a good passing offense. Better to keep DeSean than acquire Vincent.— armchairGM - Each of these comments makes sense. But good organizations just don't give up on a DeSean Jackson. Game-breaker with attitude. We have enough offensive weapons with Maclin, Celek & co., tho it wouldn't hurt to pick up a tall, athletic WR since the Clay Harbor experiment seems to have hit a wall. LB, a Big DT, and keep Asante.— rad205
- Quixote, I totally agree. It's hard to teach a guy with Track Speed to run crossing routes, most of the burners going long on the fly once they get even they're open for the deep ball. If any team has a capable possession receiver already on the roster producing, Jackson is the perfect choice to compliment this offense.
Baltimore come to mind. If Philly isn't willing to pay Jackson, chances are Baltimore with Jackson are in contention for another AFC Title. Jackson has pretty decent hands, not the best, but we all know he can get open and he can return kicks.
— Dexter - What would another deep threat do for the Eagles? Can they keep DeSean and also go after Wallace or Vincent Jackson?— towman
- As everyone knows,There are three top free agent WR's available.They are all as good or better than Wallace,Will fight for the ball and you don't have to give up a first round draft pick.— mike garman
- If the two fairy geeks in the FO, Fairytale owner, and Fat Andrew really wanted Desean, he would have been signed.— Pete60
- This is a tough one... It would be really hard to replace Jackson whether you like him or not. His speed opens up the middle for Maclin, Avant and Celek and running room for McCoy. Corners and Safties have to always play deep.. the problem is that if you give him a big contract then how do you pay McCoy and Maclin.... their contract years are quickly approaching and they have preformed well...— soldierboy
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