Mike Wallace: Dolphins WR Says They Will 'Compete' with New England in 2013

The Miami Dolphins have made the biggest splash thus far in the short-lived 2013 free agency. There is no question that they won day one.

In addition to adding speed (per ESPN) with Mike Wallace at the receiver position, they bolstered the linebacker position (per ESPN) by stealing Dannell Ellerbe from the Baltimore Ravens and signing former Oakland Raider Philip Wheeler.

The recent acquisitions have been inspired by hopes to compete with the New England Patriots, who have dominated the AFC East ever since Tom Brady received his chance to take over.

Wallace has come out in an interview with ESPN stating that his team expects to compete immediately.

There shouldn't be too much to make of this here. Do you want your $60 million guy saying he expects to compete somewhere down the road? No. That would be a terrible attitude to have going into the season.

Wallace brings speed and leadership to a core of Dolphins receivers that was only able to reel in three total touchdown receptions in 2012.

Wallace expects to "see more touchdowns" from the other receivers in 2013, as he should.

Brian Hartline received a new deal as well, good for $30.55 million over five years, which includes $12.5 million guaranteed. It's a lot of money for a guy who has half as many touchdowns (six) as the millions he will be guaranteed.

Wallace adds 4.3 speed, which will be a nightmare downfield for opposing defenses. It will ultimately open up some space for Hartline to thrive under Mike Sherman's offense and earn his pay.

It will also open up opportunities for Davone Bess, Miami's underrated slot receiver, to showcase his quickness and ability to break tackles.

The question still remains as to who will be suiting up at tight end for the Dolphins in 2013. Old, reliable Anthony Fasano was nabbed by the Kansas City Chiefs on day one of free agency, leaving a vacancy at the position.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Dolphins have their sights set on Jets free-agent tight end Dustin Keller, but a career that's been plagued by injuries could possibly stunt his production if they do sign him.

One option they could entertain would be to trade down and take Tyler Eifert from Notre Dame later in the first round of the upcoming draft. I had the Dolphins taking wideout Cordarrelle Patterson from Tennessee with their first-round pick, but the addition of Wallace allows them to take a different route in addressing other needs. 

Wallace also stated that he and quarterback Ryan Tannehill have already gotten dinner together. He added that Tannehill "picked up the check."

Things are definitely looking up for the Dolphins, who finished 7-9 in Tannehill's rookie campaign.