Baltimore Ravens Roster, Trade News: Pro Bowl Wide Receiver Mike Wallace Inks Two-Year Deal
Wide receiver Mike Wallace had the option of joining several teams that showed interest in him, but he chose to join the Baltimore Ravens for the safest reason of all – he wants to play for a team with a better quarterback. Although his team last season, the Minnesota Vikings, decided to release him, his statement may have been directed towards the team's starting quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater.
Adam Schefter first reported the details of the new contract, said to be two years and worth $11.5 million. The 29-year old will be providing a definite and immediate impact to Baltimore, especially with the fact that the team only averaged 10.4 yards per reception last year – a number that is nowhere close to helping them contend.
Wallace is someone who can change all that. The seven-year veteran averaged 15.1 yards per reception in his career, per ESPN. Much of his success was spent during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2009 to 2012. After his stint in Pittsburgh, he signed a five-year contract with the Miami Dolphins in 2013, only to be traded two years after signing the contract to the Minnesota Vikings.
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With him joining the Ravens and a good quarterback in Joe Flacco, Wallace expects to thrive and redeem himself next season. He saw his production go down beginning in 2013, which literally is three years ago. While the team still has Steve Smith, the Achilles injury he suffered last season still casts some doubt on his ability to be able to return.
Last year, the Vikings thought Wallace was the answer to finally making the offensive system of Norv Turner work out, but he only managed to catch 39 passes, producing 473 yards in the process. The team never found a consistent and effective downfield passing game. But with him out of Minnesota, the Vikings now have some more cap space to work with in order to improve the roster.
