Baltimore Ravens: Why Mike Wallace Signing Is A Big Deal
The Baltimore Ravens have been surprisingly active this offseason, as today they’ve made their third signing. According to reports, the Ravens have signed Mike Wallace to a very manageable two-year deal.
On face value this may not seem like a big deal. Wallace, after all, had a disappointing 2015 campaign with the Vikings. On paper the Ravens got an a receiver nearing his thirties whose production has dropped. In actuality, the Ravens got just what they needed.
The Ravens needed a fast receiver to enhance their vertical passing game. Surely they could hope Breshad Perriman would fill that role; but now the Ravens have a proven veteran to turn to. Instead of betting on a young receiver we have never seen (to fill a very major need) the Ravens got somebody they know what to expect from. If Perriman comes into the mix, the Ravens offense could be highlighted by two of the fastest receivers in football.
Wallace is lightning in a bottle. When the opposing defense cannot keep him contained, Wallace’s speed will burn them. With Flacco’s cannon for an arm, the proverbial bottle will be shattered by Wallace’s speed.
The Ravens offense could be completely different next season. Imagine a healthy Steve Smith Sr., who is motivated to end his career on a high note, actually having help around him. The Ravens now have a reliable number two in Kamar Aiken and a speed demon in Mike Wallace. Breshad Perriman may be faster than Wallace, if he is good to go. The Ravens are even faster at the tight end position, with the addition of Benjamin Watson.
The Ravens and the Steelers have a fierce rivalry. Not many players start on one side of that rivalry, and go to the other side. Wallace was a former Steeler. It’s hard to imagine a player who would be more motivated to beat his former team than Wallace. That is another great aspect of this signing.
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The Ravens are in it to win it. This third free agent signing will create the perfect match. Wallace is perfect for Flacco and Flacco is perfect for Wallace. The Ravens can now attack every part of the field. The Orioles won’t be the only team in Baltimore with the home run plays! The deep ball is coming back to the Ravens!