Reports: Mike Wallace will join Steelers by Week 1

Wide receiver Mike Wallace is expected to join the Pittsburgh Steelers before the regular season begins, according to Adam Schefter.

Wallace wants a long term contract and says he wont sign his tender offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have said they wont negotiate a long term deal until Wallace reports to the team and signs the one-year, $2.7 million tender.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says Wallace is staying in shape,

“I gave him a call to wish him happy birthday and see how he was doing,” Roethlisberger told 93.7 The Fan. “And Mike’s training hard. He’s training with his helmet on just like he’d be here. So he’s doing a lot of things. And I have confidence he’ll be here and ready to go for the season.”

Ike Taylor told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Wallace is staying in his house in Orlando and driving his car while he works out with trainer Tom Shaw.

Taylor says Wallace will join the Steelers soon and the team will welcome him back with open arms.

“He’s working out,” Taylor said. “He’s working hard. Whenever he gets back, we’re going to welcome him back with open arms. Mike is taking care of Mike right now. As long as he is working out and getting in football shape, that’s all that matters.”

In three NFL seasons Wallace has 171 receptions for 3,,206 yards and 24 touchdowns.