Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette believes there's "no way" the Steelers would franchise tag Mike Wallace in 2013. As word broke of Antonio Brown's extension -- and that Wallace wouldn't get one -- popular opinion was that the Steelers would force Wallace to play this year on his one-year, $2.742 million tender, then tag him in 2013. Brown's cap number leaps from $1.96 million to $5.92 million next year, however, and Wallace's would be about $10 million on the tag. The Steelers are clearly at a crossroads with Wallace. They may begin listening to trade offers.

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette confirms the Steelers will not be giving unsigned restricted free agent Mike Wallace a long-term deal after committing $42.5 million to teammate Antonio Brown. Bouchette's colleague, Gerry Dulac, essentially said the same thing. The Steelers were already one of the NFL's tightest teams up against the salary cap, and the Brown deal increased his cap cost, if only slightly. Still, the Steelers won't be satisfying Wallace's long-term demands, and he'll have to sign his one-year, $2.742 million tender in order to play football in Pittsburgh. The organization could consider trading him before the season, or keeping him if he caves and franchise-tagging Wallace in 2013.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, unsigned restricted free agent Mike Wallace has taken the lead from agent Bus Cook on the decision to sit out training camp practices. Cook is known for taking extreme measures for his clients, but Wallace is "driving the bus" on this one. Per beat writer Ed Bouchette, it's the reason his relationship with the organization "has taken a new turn." Wallace will now have to sign his $2.7 million before the team will consider resuming negotiations on a long-term deal. The Steelers could opt to sign a veteran free agent to put more pressure on Wallace.

Teammate Keenan Lewis says unsigned restricted free agent Mike Wallace's conditioning will not be a concern when his holdout ends. Lewis should know, as the two are close friends and worked out together "almost every day" this offseason. "He's anxious to get here and be ready to work," said Lewis of Wallace. "I think he's the best shape he's ever been in as far as conditioning and running routes." Lewis didn't make any promises about the reporting date of Wallace, who officially became a holdout on Wednesday.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin held a press conference Wednesday and addressed unsigned restricted free agent Mike Wallace's holdout. "We've been in negotiations with him," Tomlin said. "He's not here today. It's unfortunate for him. One thing that experience has taught me is that this is bigger than all of us. It's bigger than Mike, it's bigger than me, so I mean that when I say it's unfortunate for him that he's not here." The Steelers have cut off contract deliberations with Wallace until he caves and signs his one-year restricted tender. "What I'm going to do is work with Emmanuel Sanders," said Tomlin. "Because he's here, and be excited about doing it."

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Steelers have suspended contract talks with unsigned restricted free agent Mike Wallace until he signs his one-year, $2.472 million tender and reports to the team. Per beat writer Ed Bouchette, a multi-year contract offer that was on the table has been "basically rescinded." Bouchette recalls Hines Ward's 2005 holdout, which lasted two weeks into training camp. Ward ultimately caved and received a new four-year deal three weeks later. The Steelers have formally decided to play hardball with Wallace. They're leaving the next move up to him.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Steelers are "likely" to halt contract talks with restricted free agent Mike Wallace after he failed to report for the start of training camp Wednesday. Beat writer Ed Bouchette reports that the Steelers may now ask Wallace to decide between signing his $2.742 million tender, or not showing up at all. Pittsburgh is playing hardball just hours after word surfaced that a deal might be close. If both parties stick to their guns, this holdout could get ugly and extend into August. Missing a large chunk of camp could affect Wallace's season outlook because the Steelers are installing a new offense.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Steelers and restricted free agent Mike Wallace are "not close" to finalizing a long-term contract. Steelers veterans are scheduled to report to training camp at 4ET Wednesday, at which point Wallace will officially become a holdout. We still think there have been enough indications that the sides are in productive negotiations for Wallace to only miss the first few days of training camp. Meantime, Emmanuel Sanders will be practicing in Wallace's "X" receiver position. Antonio Brown is the flanker, and Jerricho Cotchery the slot receiver.

Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is "hearing rumblings" that a deal is close between the Steelers and restricted free agent Mike Wallace. One rumor surfaced Tuesday that the sides had already found common ground on a five-year pact, though it proved premature. Where there's smoke there's usually fire, though, and a deal may be imminent. Wallace turns 26 on August 1, so if the five-year agreement holds, that contract would take him through his age-30 season and allow "60 Minutes" to test unrestricted free agency at 31. The maximum value of the rumored contract was $42.5 million.

The Steelers believe it's "crucial" for restricted free agent Mike Wallace to be on the field during training camp to learn Todd Haley's new playbook. Wallace, who has a one-year, $2.742 million tender in front of him, skipped the entire offseason program as Haley installed his scheme. Although he did come by the facility to pick up a playbook, it's not the same as gaining experience on the practice field. The two sides are reportedly still talking about a long-term extension.