Is restricted free agency heading toward extinction?

[polamalubeast]

If you were left perplexed by the lack of an offer from another team for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace when he was a restricted free agent, you weren't alone.

Wallace is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and is just entering his prime at 25. He's an established playmaker who stretches the field and finds the end zone. Beyond that, the Steelers' precarious cap situation meant he could've been had with a front-loaded deal.


So what happened? As it turns out, the restricted free agency system itself hurt Wallace. Players once moved regularly in this system, but now it's near extinction. According to ESPN.com's Andrew Brandt, between 2003 and 2008, 20 RFAs changed teams via an offer sheet. But since 2009, just one player -- running back Mike Bell -- has done so.

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http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...content_stream

[XxKnightxX]

If they allow RFAs to become extinct, then you can kiss the small market teams goodbye. The greed is just oozing from these owners who want to run 3 team leagues. The only way to counter this by increasing salary cap figures for the teams.

[Count Steeler]

Mike was his own worst enemy. Bad second half, for whatever reason. Did not step up against Denver.

Perhaps he caught Sweeditis.