Mike Wallace has reportedly signed with the Baltimore Ravens for $11.5 million over two years.
Before the Vikings cut him, Mike Wallace was set to make about $11.5 million for the 2016 season. Today the Baltimore Ravens reportedly picked up Mike Wallace on a two-year deal worth…$11.5 million.
Wallace caught just 39 passes last year for 473 yards and two TDs, his worst numbers since his rookie season in 2009. Despite his statistical struggles, Wallace never griped and never dogged it and never became a headache for Mike Zimmer.
Because Wallace acquitted himself so well last year in spite of everything, the Vikings reportedly were willing to take him back even after they cut him. But not going to happen.
Was it only the money that kept Wallace from returning to Minnesota or was he simply not willing to slog his way through another season in an offense that isn’t really set up to take advantage of his particular skill-set?
Certainly, the Ravens’ offense seems better set-up to exploit what Wallace brings to the table. Wallace may not be the best route-runner but he can still turn on the jets and get deep. And Joe Flacco does have the ability to hit the deep ball.
Next: Terence Newman re-signs with Vikings
As for Minnesota, Wallace’s departure leaves the Vikings without a single receiver who qualifies as anything remotely resembling a deep threat. Stefon Diggs and Jarius Wright are the only two truly viable receivers on the roster right now. Adam Thielen is a nice role-player, Charles Johnson is a big question mark and Cordarrelle Patterson is…whatever he is.
It seems almost certain that the Vikings will go receiver with the #23 overall pick. Josh Doctson is the name most mentioned in connection with the Vikings, but some people like Laquon Treadwell.