Mike Wallace out to Prove He’s Better than Young Self

Mike Wallace has already bounced around the NFL more than a starting wide receiver would like to, but he’s ready to prove his doubters wrong in 2016. Since opting to test the free agency market in 2013 after four years with the Steelers, Wallace has spent time with the Dolphins, Vikings, and most recently, Ravens, but claims he’s a better wideout now than in his days wearing the black and gold.

“I think I’ve gotten better, even though [the] numbers don’t say so,” Wallace contended. “I think I’ll get better this year, and I’ll show some people I have a lot up my sleeve.”

When asked if the blistering pace that helped him carve out a pro career is still there, Wallace conceded, “I’ve probably run about 10,000 post routes and go routes since when I first came into the league. So maybe just a step, half a step. But I can still get it done.”

Wallace’s journeyman reputation began when he priced himself out of the Steelers’ market after the 2012 season. While Pittsburgh opted to invest in Emmanuel Sanders (now a defending Super Bowl champion with Denver) and Antonio Brown (arguably the best receiver in the league), Wallace set off to Miami. After a slow start, he accounted for a pair of respectable seasons despite never cracking 1,000 yards – a feat he accomplished twice with the Steelers.

But the production was not enough to justify his monstrous five-year, $60 million contract, so he was shipped off to Minnesota for a measly day three draft pick in return. Wallace had the worst season of his career with the Vikings, starting 15 games but only making 39 catches for 2 touchdowns.

While many doubters have labelled Wallace and his scintillating speed a one-trick pony, he has improved his skills as a possession receiver in the past few years. At 29 and seemingly on his final NFL lifeline, Wallace appears a perfect fit for the Ravens and their spread offense.

Since losing Torrey Smith to the 49ers, the Ravens have been on the hunt for their next deep threat. Quite frankly, Wallace is exactly the type of player that has given Steeler defenses fits in the past, and he would surely love nothing more than to stick it to the team that brushed off his demands. Guess he’ll have to wait ‘till week 9.