The Facts: As expected, the Steelers did not place the franchise tag on Wallace, a restricted free agent, thus allowing other teams to pursue him starting next week. The franchise tag would`ve cost the Steelers $9.4 million for the upcoming season. Instead, the team will place a high tender on Wallace by March 13 that will pay him $2.742 million for the upcoming season.
Diehards Line:Now, teams have until April 20 to sign Wallace to an offer sheet. The Steelers would then have the option to either match the offer or let Wallace go and get in return the other team`s first-round pick in April`s draft. The Steelers can continue to try to sign Wallace to a long-term deal even during the free agency process. Wallace, the Steelers third-round pick in 2009, will be an unrestricted free agent next year. Wallace has 170 catches for 3,195 yards and 24 touchdowns in 33 career starts.