from Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com
Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Mike Wallace said he signed with the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday because Baltimore offers a better opportunity and a better quarterback.
Wallace, who was released by the Vikings last week, chose the Ravens over a handful of interested teams, saying he wanted to play for a quarterback like Baltimore’s Joe Flacco who could play to his strength and throw the ball deep.
While Wallace didn’t mention Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater by name, he did seem excited about a change of scenery and a change of quarterback.
“When this process started, I knew I wasn’t going back to Minnesota. I was like, ‘I need a good quarterback,'” Wallace said at his introductory news conference. “I need a quarterback who is proven and can get things done. Flacco has always been that guy.”
A source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the deal is for two years and is worth $11.5 million.
Wallace brings much-needed speed to the Ravens, who averaged an NFL-worst 10.4 yards per reception. In seven NFL seasons, Wallace established himself as one of the more dangerous deep threats in the league, averaging 15.1 yards per reception.
“This is a guy that changes the face of our offense dramatically,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “He adds an element that’s very important in the National Football League. It’s an opportunity for him to get with Joe and match their talents in a way that’s going to be really special.”
Wallace, 29, is familiar with the Ravens after playing some heated games during his first four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dressed in a purple Ravens polo shirt, Wallace said he already felt at home in Baltimore despite switching sides in the rivalry.
“I told coach, ‘It feels weird being on the other side, but I’m all for it,'” Wallace said. “I just have to switch my whole mentality. I used to hate purple. Now, I love purple.”
Wallace has watched his receptions and receiving yards decline each season since 2013. With Flacco as his quarterback, Wallace is eager to answer those who believe he can no longer be a legitimate weapon in the NFL anymore.
“We just have a couple of months to wait and see. I’ll show everybody,” Wallace said. “I’ve been taking a lot of heat for about three years in a row. I promise I’ll get the last laugh.”
The addition of Wallace provides another weapon for Flacco. Last week, the Ravens signed tight end Benjamin Watson to a two-year, $8 million deal.
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