Baltimore Ravens: Re-signing Mike Wallace makes sense
By Joe Schiller
The Baltimore Ravens are stuck at a crossroads at wide receiver. It makes sense to re-sign Mike Wallace at this point.
So, about that free agent wide receiver market. If you’re keeping track, Allen Robinson, Sammy Watkins, Paul Richardson and Albert Wilson are all off the board. The Baltimore Ravens likely had expectations to sign one of those receivers and missed out for various reasons. It’s leaning more towards completely blowing up the position and starting over but signing at least one more proven receiver is crucial.
There are limited options left for Ozzie Newsome to target. Tight end Jimmy Graham is considered the top pass-catcher and still looks like a pipe dream at this point. Looking at the remaining wide receiver free agent market, one of the most realistic signings is one of Baltimore’s own, Mike Wallace. While it won’t be the sexy pick fans are expecting, it almost seems like common sense at this point.
Wallace has quietly led the Ravens in receiving the past two seasons. While that doesn’t seem like much to show for from one of the league’s worst passing offenses, Wallace proved to be a reliable receiver for Joe Flacco. The two have connected for 1,765 yards and eight touchdowns over since Wallace’s arrival. The inconsistencies of Breshad Perriman, Jeremy Maclin and the rest of the receiving core have taken the spotlight, Wallace has been one of the lone producers.
As the big-name receivers sign their deals, the price will continue to lower. There’s a reason why Wallace wasn’t one of the first names taken off the board. He’s going on 32-years old and teams don’t take priority to aging wide receivers. The Ravens should absolutely consider this option, however, given their current status on the free agent market. For a wide receiver core that’s been banged up by injuries, Wallace has missed just two starts in two seasons. His availability is the best ability for the Ravens.
The bottom line
If the Ravens are going to spend in free agency, why not use the limited money towards a receiver that’s familiar with the offensive system and more importantly has chemistry with Joe Flacco? It’s extremely important to pair Flacco with dynamic talent but there has to be a connection that follows. Like we saw with Jeremy Maclin last season, that doesn’t just happen. Wallace and Flacco have a proven connection. The timing and anticipation on routes is crucial bond the two have established in their time together.
Next: AFC North Free Agency Primer: What Ravens fans need to know
I’m all for the Ravens taking two or three big-name receivers in the draft but they can’t just bet on their potential alone. Keeping around a proven veteran like Mike Wallace could be crucial, even if it’s only for one or two more years.