Mike Wallace Turned Down More Money from the Vikings to Sign With Miami?

Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Mike Wallace (17) prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Not sure what to make of this story. It’s alwyas a little iffy when family members get involved in these things. Emotion sometimes overcomes reality in these instances. Anyway, here’s the story that’s out there. Mike Wallace reportedly had an offer from the Vikings that would’ve paid him more than what Miami gave him. But Wallace spurned the offer to sign with Miami anyway. And who is putting this out there? Mike Wallace’s dad who is also named Mike. Oh really?

And what turned Wallace off so much about Minnesota? It was the weather. The elder Wallace said his son just wanted to get away from snow and cold after playing all those years in Pittsburgh. He says the Vikings told his son he didn’t have to live in Minnesota but just be there during the season. They also jacked their offer above the 5-year, $60 million deal he ultimately got from Miami. But it didn’t work. He just hates snow that much.

You buying this? Like I said before, I’m not sure. There’s nothing surprising about a guy spurning the cold of Minnesota for the warmth of Miami. That’s not the issue. But the money. You’re going to leave money on the table just to avoid being cold? Buy a mink coat. Hell, buy a mink farm and make your own coats. It’s not like you’re spending the whole winter in Minnesota anyway. Just the first part of it.

If the story is true, what does it say about Rick Spielman and the Vikings’ free agency approach? If they really did offer Wallace that huge money? Well, then Spielman can just stop preaching about fiscal responsibility. Paying Mike Wallace north of $60 million would not have been very responsible. In fact it would’ve been downright ludicrous.

And that’s why I’m not sure I buy the story. I know the Vikes were desperate for a receiver, but would they have really gone above $60 million for Mike Wallace? After trading away Percy Harvin? Just keep Harvin and give him that money. He’s arguably not worth that kind of dough either but he’s more worth it than Mike Wallace. Something just don’t add up here. Not calling Mike Wallace’s dad a liar. Just not sure I believe his version of events.

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