Baltimore Ravens: The Playmakers Have Arrived
By Kyle Andrews
The Baltimore Ravens needed playmakers on both sides of the ball and have found that with the additions of Eric Weddle and Mike Wallace.
The Baltimore Ravens have waited for almost two years to get another speed threat and playmaker from their receiving corps. Now the wait is over. Baltimore and wide receiver Mike Wallace came to terms today on a two-year, $11.5 million contract.
Ravens are giving former Vikings WR Mike Wallace a 2-year, $11.5 million deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2016
Wallace hasn’t played up to his full potential since 2011, his last 1,000-yare campaign. Wallace has had 6,307 yds and 49 touchdowns in seven seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings.
The Steelers drafted Wallace in the third round in 2009. As a Steeler, Wallace had his only two seasons where he caught passes for 1,000 plus yards.
In 2010, Wallace had 60 catches for a career-high 1,257 yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged 21 yards per catch that season, which put him second in the NFL. In 2011, Wallace posted a career-high 72 grabs for 1,193 yards and eight scores, which earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl.
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The Dolphins signed Wallace to a five-year, $60 million deal after becoming a free agent. Wallace had a few solid seasons in Miami, where he averaged 70 catches for 896 yards and 7.5 touchdowns, but the Dolphins traded him to the Vikings.
He posted career lows last season with the Vikings, in yards (473) and touchdowns (2). He played in all 16 games and has only missed one game in his career.
Although Wallace hasn’t been as big of a threat for the past couple of seasons, he has blazing speed from the receiver position. The Ravens had no such speed last season after losing Torrey Smith to the San Francisco 49ers. Alongside Steve Smith Sr., Breshad Perriman and possibly another receiver in the draft, the Ravens will have a formidable receiving corps.
Previously, Wallace talked about the Ravens and how much he couldn’t stand them, even when he signed with the Dolphins a couple of years ago.
“I haven’t played anybody in our division yet, so I think they’re still my least favorite team,” said Wallace. “Most definitely, I know they’re my least favorite team.
“I think it was two great teams battling,” Wallace said about the rivalry between the Ravens and Steelers. “[The Steelers] knew the road to the Super Bowl either goes through them or New England, and vice versa. So it was always ‘We have to beat those guys.’”
The Ravens needed playmakers, offensively and defensively. Eric Weddle and Wallace are big for the Ravens. Weddle adds a ball hawking, long-bearded safety, who is also known as a great teammate. Plus, he’s also excited to become a Raven and the addition of Wallace.
Heading out to Baltimore. Can't wait to get to my new home. Even better news we signed my boi Mike Wallace. Let's gooooooooooooooooooooo!!!
— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) March 15, 2016
Weddle inked a four-year deal for $26 million and he can earn up to $29 million with the contract if he meets the incentives for his contract. He will receive $9 million in 2016 and $13 million total in the first two seasons.
Weddle will be in Baltimore to take a physical and meet with reporters on Wednesday. Weddle has made the Pro Bowl three times during his career and has had 19 interceptions. The safety has also posted 680 tackles and only has missed seven games, although last season he dealt with a groin injury.
The Ravens absolutely needed Weddle. Last season, Baltimore only posted 6 interceptions, which ranked dead last in the NFL. They also ranked 19th in completion percentage against their defense with a 64.2 completion percentage.
Also with his addition, the Ravens are expected to cut someone from the group of Will Hill, Matt Elam, Lardarius Webb, who has converted to safety or Kendrick Lewis.
Next: Ravens, Mike Wallace Agree to Two-Year Deal
Buckle up for the Ravens offseason everyone. It will be an eventful one.