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New York Jets: 3 Wide receivers to avoid in 2018 NFL Free Agency

By Stephen Smith

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 21: Marqise Lee
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 21: Marqise Lee /
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BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 10: Wide receiver Mike Wallace #17 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball past cornerback Joe Haden #23 of the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 10, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 10: Wide receiver Mike Wallace #17 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball past cornerback Joe Haden #23 of the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 10, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

2. Mike Wallace

At one time the 6-0, 200-pounder was the premier deep threat in the league. That was a long time ago though. You have to go back to 2010 when Wallace compiled a career-high 1,257 receiving yards for the Pittsburgh Steelers and averaged 21 yards per catch. The University of Mississippi product can still dazzle opponents with a long touchdown reception. He had a 95-yard catch for a score while playing for the Ravens in 2016 against Pittsburgh. Moments like that are few and far between anymore.

Wallace is going to be 32 years old when training camp is in full swing in August. He’s past his prime years now. Wide receivers don’t get faster at that age. His receptions (52) and receiving yards (748) in 2017 were down significantly from the previous season. Wallace still has ability, no doubt, but he is trending downward. Father Time always wins.

The Jets would be better served focusing their search on younger players with more upside at this stage of their careers. Watkins (25 years old) and Allen Robinson (24 years old) certainly fit that particular profile. Gang Green is rebuilding so even though Wallace could help them to some degree, his age and salary demands (probably at least $6 million per year) should have them looking in another direction.

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