With NFL training camp quickly approaching, teams are already thinking about how their initial 53-man rosters will shape out. Of course, preseason will be the key for most players, but camp is the first test for many rookies and fringe-roster players. For the Baltimore Ravens, their deep roster will include several brutal roster battles throughout the period.
One battle Baltimore will have to keep an eye on is the wide receiver room. The starting trio is set in stone with Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and DeAndre Hopkins. It looks like one of the best starting groups in Ravens history, and the depth is there, too.
Devontez Walker, Tylan Wallace, and LaJohntay Wester are the other wideouts widely expected to make the team come Week 1. However, breakout performers in the coming months could change that, and it could significantly affect the future of the recently re-signed Wallace.
Could Tylan Wallace be coming to the end of his Baltimore tenure?
Wallace was only extended for one year on a cheap $2.1 million contract with $1.35 million in guaranteed money. His future is without a doubt in question following this season. That is especially true given the current state of Baltimore’s depth chart at wide receiver.
Wallace has spent a ton of time fielding punts over the past two seasons. While he might lack the consistent splash play ability and does not possess the short-area elusiveness that other returners in the NFL might have, he has been reliable holding onto the football. The Ravens had an issue with returners fumbling the ball last season, and Wallace provided some stability. However, his job could be in jeopardy.
Wester has been fielding punts during offseason activities, and unlike Wallace, he brings consistent electricity whenever he has the ball in his hands. The sixth-round rookie was one of the most feared ballcarriers in the nation during his collegiate career, using his mix of speed and elusiveness to gash defenses for monster gains. If that can translate at the NFL level, Wallace could see his return reps vanish.
The emergence of other receivers like Walker and Dayton Wade could even force Wallace out the door earlier than expected. A move could be done by trade. If general manager Eric DeCosta sees a need to free up money this year or bring in more draft capital and find a trade partner, do not be surprised if a move is made.
By all accounts, Walker is taking prominent strides this offseason and is ready to break out as the team’s fourth wide receiver on the depth chart behind Hopkins. The team selected him in the fourth round out of North Carolina in 2024, so the coaching staff sees potential in the 24-year-old, and 2025 could be the year fans get what he is capable of.
The other major factor is the 2024 undrafted rookie, Wade. He is once again impressing, just as he did last year. If he puts on another spectacular preseason, he will be hard to keep off the roster. Baltimore would also likely lose him on waivers if they tried to bring him on the practice squad. With Walker and Wester potentially stealing reps from Wallace, taking the chance on the Ole Miss product could make sense.
Of course, while Wallace’s numbers are not flashy by any means, he is reliable when called upon. Losing him for the potential breakout of other players could be seen as an unnecessary risk. However, Baltimore has their eyes on a Super Bowl, and sometimes risks need to be taken, especially if they could improve the team.