Will Mike Wallace Become the NFL's Next Prima Donna Wide Receiver?

Move over, DeSean Jackson, there's a new prima donna wide receiver in town.

His name? 

Mike Wallace. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers wideout isn't technically a diva or prima donna just yet, but he sure looks to be headed down a Jackson-esque path.

After a disheartening 2011 season, one in which the Philadelphia Eagles burner was the subject of harsh and unrelenting criticism, Jackson finally received the contract he was hoping for when he inked a five-year, $51 million deal this March (via ESPN). 

The starts of Wallace's and Jackson's NFL tenures are strikingly similar, which has lead to extremely comparable contract disputes simply one year apart.

Like Jackson, Wallace emerged as one of the league's premier receivers during his first three years in the league. Because of the quick and dynamic start to his career, like Jackson, he deems that he deserves more than the modest rookie contract he received in 2009.  

The Steelers placed a restricted first-round tender on Wallace this offseason, meaning he's set to make $2.7 million on a one-year contract with Pittsburgh in 2012. 

After making only $525,000 last season, he's certainly looking for more annual compensation and the financial security that comes with a multi-year deal. 

Mike Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported Wallace being absent from the start of Pittsburgh's mandatory minicamp earlier this week, a sign causing many to believe he's committed to holding out until a long-term agreement is struck. 

"

Surprise. No Mike Wallace at minicamp.

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) June 12, 2012"

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, owner Art Rooney isn't pleased with Wallace's decision to skip the required practice sessions. 

"He should be here," Rooney stated.

From the same article, head coach Mike Tomlin didn't seem to be as worried, saying, "He's a sharp guy. ...Hopefully there will be some closure to this and it will be in our rear view mirror."

This Wallace vs. Steelers management standoff could last a while, which will consequently, and maybe unfairly, bill Mike Wallace as the NFL's new prima donna wideout. 

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