Pittsburgh Steelers’ QB Big Ben sees WR Mike Wallace back in a day or two – NFL News
Pittsburgh Steelers’ rebellious’ wide receiver Mike Wallace is expected back to the squad this week after his reported recent communication to the team that he is willing to sign the franchise tender any time soon.
Some media reports have cited independent sources and a brief chat with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on the sidelines of Steelers game against the Buffalo Bills, both confirming the WR could land back in Pittsburgh in a couple of days.
Ben said:
"We're excited to get Mike back. I talk to him all the time, and you know he's one of us. He's one of our boys, we are like family. So when he gets back, we are going to be excited."
When specifically asked by the reporters in one or two days, Ben added:
“I hope so.”
Wallace’s decision to return has come as a surprise given the player has missed the entire preseason campaign, training camp and earlier offseason programme, including the three-day mandatory camp and organised team activities (OTAs).
His demand for a long-term contract was the main reason for him to hold himself out on the fence, while he continued to refuse signing of restricted agent franchise tag.
Also, some unconfirmed reports linked him to a potential move to the Indianapolis Colts in wake of the recently boasted high-profile deal by owner Jim Irsay.
The WR’s news of return has excited the team, particularly QB Roethlisberger. Although the Steelers have so far managed well without Wallace as far as performance on the offensive line is concerned, the player remains crucial to the team’s regular season
campaign.
Wallace’s return should also fulfil demand of coach Mike Tomlin who said the Steelers were not going to talk the deal matter in absence of the player from training camp. Proving true to his assertion, the Steelers have so far put the subject of Wallace’s
new deal on the backburner.
Now while the receiver has himself offered to sign the tender, there is a possibility that the Steelers in a show of courtesy work out a new contract for him. If it happens the relationship between the receiver and Steelers’ managers will be back in an amicable
atmosphere.
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