Contract Talks Between Steelers and Mike Wallace Finally Progressing

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike Wallace are heading in the right direction toward a new contract for the wide receiver.

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported the encouraging news for Steelers fans, via Will Brinson:

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The sides have remained in close contact and continued their dialogue and are expected to maintain a steady pace with the start of training camp looming. There has been some movement and though no deal is imminent and work remains to be done, the situation has certainly improved since early this offseason. Both sides are motivated to complete a long-term contract.

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Wallace has turned into one of the league’s most productive wide receivers during his time in Pittsburgh. The 25-year-old has blazing speed and is an elite downfield threat.

He caught 72 passes for 1,193 yards and eight touchdowns this past season, earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl in 2011. It was the second season in a row in which he surpassed 1,000 yards receiving.

Wallace, a third-round pick in 2009, is quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s favorite target, but he was not signed to a long-term deal following the season.

He became a restricted free agent and did not receive an offer sheet from other NFL teams, forcing him into a situation where he could accept the Steelers’ $2.72 million tender or hold out for an extension.

With training camp starting on July 25, the clock is certainly ticking.

But the Steelers seem genuinely interested in keeping Wallace happy and in the lineup. The two sides appear to be getting on the same page, and this struggle looks to be in its final chapters.