Mike Wallace to 49ers: Why Ex-Steelers WR Would Look Good in San Francisco

Mike Wallace would look good wearing crimson and gold.

The San Francisco 49ers need to make acquiring Wallace their highest priority once free agency officially begins on March 13, 2012.

The Pittsburgh Steelers opted not to use the franchise tag on Wallace, opting rather to tender him in 2012. This means any team can offer Wallace a contract and the Steelers would then have the opportunity to either match the offer or receive a first-round draft pick as compensation.

Matt Maiocco of csnbayarea.com says the 49ers have already targeted Wallace "at a specific price."

Let's take a look at three reasons why Wallace to the 49ers looks good.

The Price Is Right

Some of you might be worried about the first-round price tag. Don't be.

The NFL draft is a crap shoot. Sure, Trent Baalke has shown he's a keen evaluator of talent, but at least with Wallace, you know what you're getting.

The 49ers can easily afford to offer Wallace a contract that the Steelers won't be able to match, given their current salary cap situation.

It isn't out of the question that Wallace could be bought for around $10 million per season, a number I'm comfortable with.

Home-run threats with soft hands don't show up on your doorstep very often. This is the time for the 49ers front office to be aggressive for once and land the big-play wide receiver the offense so desperately needs.

Passing Game Has a Need for Speed

The 49ers passing game has been missing a key element on the outside: speed.

Why else do you think the 49ers have been trotting Ted Ginn out onto the field as a wide receiver? The problem with Ginn is that he just drops the ball way too much, making his speed less of a worry to opposing defenses.

Teams have been able to play defense without worrying about getting beat over the top. They aren't afraid of bringing both safeties down towards the box in order to keep a lid on the 49ers power running game. 

Wallace would force teams to protect the back end. He is someone who demands constant attention. All it takes is for a defender to miss an assignment for a half-a-second, and the next thing you know, Wallace is trotting into the endzone for a score.

His presence would open up the entire offense. Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter would have more room to run, Michael Crabtree would be dealing with teams' No. 2 cornerbacks and single-coverage and Vernon Davis would run wild underneath it all.

Alex Smith has a legitimate chance to put up Pro Bowl-type numbers in an offense that includes Wallace.

The 49ers need to make this happen.

He's Got West Coast Skills

Mike Wallace isn't just a deep threat. 

One of the best things about his game is his ability to turn a five-yard slant into an 80-yard touchdown. He is a quick, precise route-runner with sure hands, and teams are forced to commit two defenders on him or risk getting torched. 

He is incredible after the catch, something 49ers fans might appreciate.

In his three-year career, Wallace has caught 58 passes of 20-plus yards and 23 passes of 40-plus yards. He is a big-play receiver who is just starting to come into his own, and he is the perfect fit for the 49ers.

Trent Baalke hasn't been known for making big splashes in free agency, so it could be considered a stretch to think the 49ers might pursue Wallace this year. 

I'm convinced Wallace is somebody the 49ers are interested in bringing in, though. They would be foolish not to at least give this a shot.

Thank you for reading, and as always, I look forward to reading and responding to all your comments.

Follow @JesseReed78