Miami Dolphins parting ways with Mike Wallace?

Throughout the tenure of the franchise, the Miami Dolphins have an up and down history at the wide receiver position.

First there are the “Marks Brothers”, comprised of Mark Clayton and Mark Duper. The tandem played together in Miami from 1983-1992, where they solidified themselves as one of the most dominant duo to ever play the game.

Both receivers caught over 1,000 yards on three separate occasions, with their best year as a group coming in 1984, catching a combined 2,695 yards and 26 touchdowns, helping Miami earn a spot in that year’s Super Bowl.

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Then there are the recent failures of Ted Ginn, Jr. and Brandon Marshall.

Ginn, who was the Dolphins ninth overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, played three seasons in Miami, with his best season consisting of 790 yards and two touchdowns.

Marshall, on the other hand, did not duplicate his previous and future success, having his worst two seasons as a pro. Miami then traded Marshall for two third round draft picks.

After Marshall left the team there was an obvious hole at the receiver position. Miami countered by signing free agent Mike Wallace to a five-year deal worth $60 million, making him one of the highest paid players at his position.

Like Marshall, Wallace was originally brought in with the hopes of being a number one receiver. So far, in his two seasons with the Dolphins, Wallace has yet to prove that he can be that guy.

Since day one, there has been a disconnect with Wallace and now third-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill. While Wallace’s speed opens up the field for his teammates, him and Tannehill have had issues connecting on the deep ball.

In two-years, Wallace has caught just 1,792 yards and 15 touchdowns. On paper, those numbers aren’t terrible. However, the production doesn’t match Wallace’s salary.

Wallace, 28, is scheduled to make $9.85 million in base salary in 2015, causing the team $12.1 million in salary cap. If Wallace is still on the roster on March 14, he will be owed $3 million in guarantees.

Unfortunately, it’s not just his on field play that has raised concerns. In a week 17 game against the New York Jets, Wallace removed himself from the second half. This move sparked harsh criticism from the media and a loss of trust within the locker room. A part from losing faith from his teammates, Wallace also clashed with head coach Joe Philbin as a result.

Recently there have been rumors of Miami trying to trade the receiver. The financial burden of Wallace will be removed; however, with a strong free agent and draft class at receiver, there aren’t too many teams that are willing to take-on Wallace’s contract.

If Miami has trouble finding a trading partner, looking to restructure Wallace’s deal was in the plan. But according to a Sun Sentinel article, Wallace told Miami he is not looking to restructure the final three years of his contract.

With Wallace unwilling to work on a new deal, the potential of Miami outright releasing him is becoming more likely. If Miami were to cut him, they would save roughly $6.9 million in cap relief.

Outside of Wallace, there are other high priorities that need tending to such as offensive line, linebacker, cornerback and safety. The front office is also reportedly working on a long-term extension for Tannehill.

Parting ways with Wallace will rid the offense of their deep ball threat. But with other holes on the roster, it is imperative Miami has enough money to spend.

Wallace could be a cap-casualty cut this offseason; however, it would not just be because of his salary, but because he has been a huge disappointment both on and off the field.

Next: Jarvis Landry a bright spot for Miami

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