Mike Wallace's dad says he rejected Vikings' $76 million offer to sign with Dolphins
Mike Wallace's father said he turned down a larger offer to sign with the Dolphins this offseason. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)
Wide receiver Mike Wallace was one of NFL free agency's biggest winners this offseason, cashing in on a $60 million deal signed with the Miami Dolphins.
But Wallace's father said that his son was in line for even more — but he turned it down. Mike Wallace III told USA Today's Jim Corbett that his son turned down a $76 million offer from the Minnesota Vikings.
"I know this: He's going to give Miami their money's worth,'' Wallace's father told USA Today. "Dolphins fans are going to love him. He worked hard and deserved everything he got. So don't call him selfish.''
Wallace's deal with the Dolphins is for five years and includes $30 million guaranteed. The overall size of the deal surpassed ones the Vikings gave to wide receiver Greg Jennings ($45 million) and the Kansas City Chiefs gave to Dwayne Bowe.
Wallace said he left the Pittsburgh Steelers because he thought the Dolphins were close to contending for a championship.
"I performed so well for so long, I just wanted to be well compensated," he told USA Today. "I feel I got a bad rep. Free agency paid off for me. But it was bittersweet. The money is not all I'm in it for. I want to be a great player — win Super Bowls, go to Pro Bowls continuously.''
