The Steelers could be parting ways with Mike Wallace and the blogosphere is a buzz about him coming to Baltimore. Wallace, 26-years old, is expected to leave via free agency and Ozzie Newsome has been outspoken about wanting to add another wide receiver to his arsenal.
Partnered with Torrey Smith, Wallace could turn the Ravens into a true deep passing offense. There’s only one problem.
Pittsburgh is expected to put at least a first round tender on Wallace so he won’t come cheap. In a free agent market that’s full of talent, giving up a first rounder just isn’t realistic for the Ravens.
Wes Welker, Vincent Jackson, Dwayne Bowe, Marques Colston and Mario Manningham are just a few of the other receivers hitting the market this offseason.
Look, I get wanting to help the Ravens and hurt the Steelers at the same time, but a first round pick is just too much.
We need the #1 to get a lineman who can start right away,,,,,,,,
I see this as more of a ploy to up the bidding for Wallace than anything else. I agree that it is unlikely that the Ravens would give up what it would cost to get Wallace in terms of money and a draft pick, but that doesn;t mean they would be unwilling to make Wallace too expensive for Pittsburgh to afford.
On the other hand giving up the 29th pick in the 1st round for Wallace may not be that bad. Can the Ravens hope to get as good a talent as Wallace at that spot? Possibly, but not likely. If the Ravens were to pull a deal like this off, could that spell the end of Anquan Boldin in Baltimore?
While its a possibility and something that could happen due to the increase in salary cap that should come in 2013 and Ozzie possibly reworking some of the deals of current players, I agree and don’t see them giving up a draft pick and cap space for Wallace, especially with Evans still on the roster.
The Bengals or Patriots look like more of contenders for Wallace, especially with cap space, but Pats are notorious for stacking draft picks and developing players similar to the Ravens, I don’t see them giving up their first round for Wallace. The Steelers have until March 5th to tag Wallace so we will get our answer shortly, but the thought of Wallace and Smith as deep threats would be something Baltimore has never seen.
From everything I’ve heard, the Ravens cannot even afford to pay their own UFAs, so where are they coming up with money for a guy like Wallace?
They can. They are about 8 million under the cap. With a couple cuts (foxworth, Carr, some other candidates too) and getting a deal done for Rice would give them PLENTY of cash. The only question is are they willing to give up the 1st? I would, who is gonna be sitting at 29th that talent wise is better than Wallace?
PS: if Flacco has to wait until next year and finish out his rookie deal, than so be it. I’m sure he woul understand it is because we want to add weapons for him
Umm, Iggy, if the Ravens are in such good cap shape, why would they be considering letting Grubbs, one of their best offensive lineman, go? Realize you can’t sink a ton in your guards, but this team desperately needs offensive linemen and he’s a good one.
Like MGW, I can’t see the Ravens being able to afford Wallace. I’d rather see them spend/invest their picks on the offensive line, so Flacco has time to let his receivers run their routes. Plus, if they’re looking for another deep threat to compliment Smith, I hear Randy Moss is back in the mix. Straight cash, Homey!
I agree , we need a strong center so Joe can actually step up in the pocket , something he has not been able to do a quite some time,,,,,,,,O-line help, please sir…………
I actually agree with mystery man , but I have the copy rights on the punctuation mark abuse,,,,,,,,,,,,,,pretty good though………….
We need to grab him. In comparison to talent, no one will come close with the 29th pick. They can afford him as long as rices contract is figured out soon. Bold in would stay in Baltimore and either be opposite Wallace or in the slot. You don’t get many chances to get both a SOLID player AND cause a major blow to you bitter rival. It’s really a no brainer. He will help get the other receivers some separation too.
Don’t worry Iggy , Cinn will take him from the steelers , that is the Cinn that will win the division next year , better get used to it , they have a better handle than ozzie and the salary cap……………
Moss baby…MOSS!
Sadler – Where’s the “Having Dinner with The Intimidator” article at? Was waiting for it…