2012 NFL Free Agents: 3 WRs Who Could Replace Mike Wallace in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Steelers burner wideout Mike Wallace made the Pro Bowl in 2011, reeling in 72 receptions, 1,193 yards and eight touchdowns. 

He emerged as a downfield threat in 2010, but certainly was a more well-rounded target for Ben Roethlisberger this season. 

Wallace will be a restricted free agent when the new league year opens in early March, meaning he can negotiate with other teams but could first receive a qualifying offer from his current club. 

There isn't a great chance that Wallace bolts in free agency, but there might be a few teams looking for a speedster on the outside that are willing to sign him to a more lucrative deal than the Steelers. 

If he does leave Pittsburgh, these are three possible replacement candidates: 

DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles 

When Jackson is "happy" and is on the same page as his coach and quarterback, there aren't many receivers who bring more electricity to the field. 

Even in what many would consider a down year for D-Jax, he caught 58 passes for 961 yards and four touchdowns. 

He certainly needs to work on his issues with catching the football, and must mature if he wants to take the next step and move into that elite wideout group. 

His skill set is similar to Wallace, as he's amazingly dangerous down the field. 

Jackson will need to become more consistent on the intermediate routes and sharpen his overall route-running to be a viable option in Pittsburgh, but the Steelers offense has an extremely vertical, big-play attack, so Jackson certainly would fit in. 

Robert Meachem, New Orleans Saints 

Meachem has been in arguably the most down-the-field, go-route-laden offense in the league as a member of the New Orleans Saints. 

Drew Brees continually aires out the football and Meachem has been a favorite target. He had 40 catches for 620 yards and six touchdowns in 2011 and at 6'2'' 210 pounds, creates matchup problems with some of the smaller cornerbacks around the league. 

His familiarity with that type of offense should lead to a seamless transition to the Steelers offense. 

He's looking for an expanded role, and would likely get more targets in Pittsburgh than he did in the Big Easy. 

Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis Colts 

Yes, Vincent Jackson would be a great fit. He'd be an amazing addition to any roster, but chances are, the San Diego Chargers re-sign him. 

I'd love Garcon in a Steelers uniform. He's got the size of Meachem and due to his time spent in the Colts/Peyton Manning intricate, pass-heavy offense, he's a phenomenal and sneaky route-runner who knows how to get open. 

The former Mount Union stud is deceptively shifty and quick after he catches the football and can make big plays happen when much isn't expected. 

He would be a reliable target for Big Ben, and open things up deep for Antonio Brown. 

Follow @ChrisTrapasso