Baltimore Ravens: The Strange Career Path of Mike Wallace

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Mike Wallace is returning to the AFC North after a few stops around the league. But it won’t be with the Black and Gold.

Here we go again. And for the sake of the Baltimore Ravens, here’s hoping that the third time in three years is the charm.

Let’s backtrack a bit. The Pittsburgh Steelers have had the corner on finding good wide receivers in the draft in recent years.

From Antonio Brown (sixth round in 2010) and Markus Wheaton (third round in 2013) to Emmanuel Sanders (third round in 2010) and Martavis Bryant (fourth round in 2014). You’ll notice that none of these players were selected any higher than the third round.

In 2009, the Steelers waited patiently and with the 84th selection grabbed speedy Mike Wallace from Ole Miss. He would quickly emerge as a big-play threat and was a compliment to reliable Hines Ward for basically three seasons.

Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) celebrates after scoring a 7 yard touchdown during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Wallace would spend four years with the Black and Gold and amassed impressive numbers with the club. He totaled 235 catches for 4,042 yards and 32 touchdowns and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2011. Over that span, the explosive performer averaged an imposing 17.2 yards per reception.

Then came a chance for Wallace to cash in and the Miami Dolphins were more than willing to oblige. In 2013, the wideout signed a five-year, $60 million contract and joined the team from South Florida.

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He figured to be the perfect tonic for second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill and did catch a career-best 73 passes. But it added up to only 930 yards (12.7 average) and five scores. A year later he totaled 10 touchdowns but caught only 67 passes. Wallace failed to lead the Dolphins in catches in either of his seasons with the franchise.

A year ago, it was off to Minnesota and the hopes that the once-explosive weapon would help another second-year quarterback, this time the Vikings’ Teddy Bridgewater. But 16 games (12 starts) resulted in 39 catches for 473 yards and two touchdowns. While it ranked third on the club in 2015, rookie Stefon Diggs proved to be the more productive player – catching a team-high 52 passes for 720 yards and twice as many scores (4).

Now not too long after the Purple Gang gave Wallace his pink slip, the Baltimore Ravens have added the former divisional rival to their team. ESPN’s Jamison Hensley has the latest on the move while colleague Adam Schefter reported that the deal was worth two years and $11.5 million.

It’s been a busy few days for the Ravens, who add Wallace to a free-agent class that includes former Pro Bowl free safety Eric Weddle and tight end Benjamin Watson.

Nov 22, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws a pass in the third quarter against the St. Louis Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens won 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

So can Wallace revive his career in the land of crab cakes and with a team that comes off its worst season since 2007? It shapes up as a comeback year for both the team and the once-impressive wideout.

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Perhaps being on the end of passes from a veteran quarterback (Joe Flacco) and opposite a veteran performer (wide receiver Steve Smith) will add up to big things for the former big-play wideout. In any case, it’s been quite a rollercoaster ride for the seven-year pro who has been a disappointment ever since he left the Steel City.

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