Stud Wide Receiver Mike Wallace Reports to Steelers Camp

Mike Wallace will look to build on last season when he had 72 receptions for 1,193 yards and eight touchdowns. (Jared Wickerham)

With less than two weeks until the start of the NFL regular season, Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Wallace finally decided to report to Steelers camp. Drafted as a third round pick out of Mississippi, Wallace thrived as a deep threat in the Steelers offense. In his rookie campaign, he led the NFL in yards per catch (19.4) Wallace's second season saw an increase in total yards (1,257) and yards per game (21.0). His numbers did drop last season, but that was likely due to the increased attention and number of double teams he drew from opposing secondaries.

During the offseason, Wallace sought the long-term deal he thought he deserved. The Steelers warned him that they would not negotiate during training camp. Additionally, they were not in the financial position to offer him the long-term deal Wallace desired. Instead, they offered him a one-year contract tender worth approximately $2.7 million. Wallace declined to sign it and decided to refuse to come to training camp. The two sides have not discussed a long-term deal since July 25.

Wallace finally decided to end his holdout today and sign the contract tender. The two sides do still have the option to try and work out a long-term deal before the regular season begins. The Steelers have a longstanding policy of not discussing long-term contracts during football season. Regardless, Wallace is back with the Steelers. His impact is already being felt by the organization. Fellow wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders told reporters, "We definitely understand the business side of things, and we don't worry about that too much. But as far as in the offensive room, we've missed his personality, and we've missed what he brings to the table."

Many people around the league wonder what Wallace can bring to the table this season. He missed the vast majority of training camp, which is a time where offensive rapport and chemistry is established. However, Wallace already knows many of the players and should fit in to his role without any real difficulty. Lack of conditioning was another concern, but reports coming from Florida seem to put those concerns to rest. Wallace was there to work out all summer with highly-regarded trainer Tom Shaw.  A final concern that has been expressed is whether or not Wallace will be able to pick up new offensive coordinator Todd Haley's offense. Reports are stating that Wallace has had a copy of the playbook all summer. Additionally, Wallace relies so much on his speed that his actual route running tends to be more simplified.

The Steelers offense is better because of Wallace. His dangerous speed not only helps the rest of the receiving corps, but also opens up running lanes for the backfield. Steelers starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will undoubtedly work with Wallace to get him up to speed on the offense and on the same page with him. Of course, any time the offense gets better, the defense subsequently benefits as a result. The Steelers were patient with Wallace as he worked out his differences. Now, they are rewarded by becoming a far superior team now going into the regular season.