So, I saw this bleacher report about Mike Wallace and what could the Steeler's do (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1298078-10-alternatives-the-pittsburgh-steelers-could-consider-for-mike-wallace/page/9)
I really like their #9 example of Jeff Demps. Here's a guy who was a speedy dude at Florida, who held out trying to go to the NFL in order to focus on the Olympics, where his 4x100 team won Silver. Now, nobody really knows what's going on with Mike Wallace. Maybe he really is only focused on the money. That's possible, maybe he really wanted to skip some preseason workouts, who knows for sure. But he sure isn't looking like a dedicated Steeler's football player.
I think the Steeler's should do a few things, first, sign this Demps guy, give him a look - what is there to lose? Nothing. He probably won't even make the team, but hey, use him as a return guy for the rest of the preseason, give him a chance to get on some film - he's a U.S. Olympian and it seems like something the Steeler's could do, even for just good PR reasons. Maybe you keep him on the practice squad if he shows any potential. It also sends a message to Mike, that you arer not the only WR with elite speed that is on Earth.
I also say, they should invite Chad Johnson up for a workout, just to do it - again, I don't even recommend the Steeler's sign him, but maybe it sends some signals to the Wallace camp of hey, you there, doing your own thing, we are the 6 Time World Champion Steelers and we don't negotiate with Hold-outs. Oh, look, here's a WR in Chad Johnson too, maybe we should take a look at him.
I think the Wallace hold out could perhaps be more of a distraction to the current players than we think. I mean, he is obviously the #1 WR for the Steeler's at this moment. Now, whether he develops some better route running skills in the next year or two, who knows. But his speed stretches defenses, which gives the WRs and TEs more room to work. That alone is a reason he's needed on this current team. I honestly agree with much of what has been written that other than elite speed, he is not a very accomplished WR for the NFL. However, you can't teach speed.
But he's not the only speedy person on the planet. Give this Demps kid a call and get him camp. Hell, didn't Usain Bolt say something at one point about trying out for soccer, maybe he'd like to give the NFL a shot too. I mean, it sure would make for an interesting try out anyway. More seriously, Demps has elite speed, bring him in for PR/KR and at least keep the other WR we have in camp healthy.
Poll
Should the Steeler's do anything about Wallace's Hold out?
Do nothing until he reports (101 votes)
Sign another WR to the squad to send a message (19 votes)
Talk trade with another team, see what the offers are (47 votes)
167 total votes


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