Steelers Are Reportedly Likely to Put Mike Wallace Contract Talks on Hold

Things just got a lot tougher for Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After a long offseason, training camp is finally set to begin for the Steelers on Friday, but it appears dynamic wide receiver Mike Wallace won't be there. 

The news comes from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette:

"

The Steelers believe Mike Wallace will not report today for training camp and will resume a holdout that occurred all spring over contract negotiations.

With that stance by Wallace, the Steelers are likely to suspend negotiations on a multiple-year contract for their Pro Bowl wide receiver.

"

Let's take a closer look at this newest development.

What It Means

First and foremost, it means the dreaded holdout is on the horizon.

Wallace is standing on very dangerous ground. If he doesn't sign the one-year, $2.472 million contract that Pittsburgh currently has on the table, then he is likely going to miss a good amount of time, especially if this report about Pittsburgh's unwillingness to play ball is true.

Additionally, with Todd Haley implementing a new offense in Pittsburgh this season, the time Wallace may miss due to a holdout is that much more crucial. 

This is not the right time for Wallace to be holding out. 

What's Next

As for the Steelers as a team, this would present an opportunity for wide receivers waiting in the wings.

Most notably, Emmanuel Sanders, who pulled in 22 catches for 288 yards last year, would step in for Wallace. Also, Antonio Brown, who exploded onto the scene in his second season last year, would immediately become the go-to guy for Big Ben—if he wasn't already. 

After that, things get a little thin for the Steelers.

Jerricho Cotchery is a capable veteran, but guys like Jimmy Young and Toney Clemons provide little to no NFL experience. That could mean more involvement of Heath Miller and the tight ends in the offense.

There are certainly players who can step up in his place, and the Steelers can survive a Mike Wallace holdout, but taking the speedy—speedy might be the understatement of the year—Wallace away from this offense makes it far less dynamic.

Follow @t_keen