Mike Wallace scored 10 touchdowns last season playing for the Miami Dolphins, but he’s still being called an overpaid player by one writer from CBS Sports.
In fact, CBS’ Ross Kelly thinks Wallace is the second most overpaid wide receiver in the NFL. He writes:
“When Wallace signed his deal with Miami before the 2013 season, it made him the second highest paid receiver in the NFL. After two pedestrian seasons in Miami, he was traded this offseason to Minnesota in what was essentially a salary dump. Wallace has a proven skill – the ability to take the top off the defense; however, we haven’t really seen that skill since the 2011 season. From 2009-2011 Wallace had 23 receptions of at least 40 yards but over the past three years he has just 11 such receptions. Now at 29, it’s not like he’s suddenly going to get faster so his main skill will continue to decline while his cap hit continues to soar. The one saving grace for Minnesota is that they only account for $3 million of Wallace’s guaranteed money going forward while the Dolphins have already paid him $27 million in guarantees.”
Kelly is quick to point to the decrease in explosive plays in Wallace’s career since signing a 5-year, $60 million contract with the Dolphins in 2013.
The other five overpaid receivers in the league, per Kelly, are: Dwayne Bowe, Pierre Garcon, Victor Cruz and Calvin Johnson.
At the end of the day this is just one writer’s opinion, and Vikings fans are excited to see what an explosive player like Wallace, along with the return of Adrian Peterson to the running game, can do for the offense.
By the way, ex-Viking Percy Harvin topped Forbes‘ list in 2014 of the most overpaid players in the entire NFL. Harvin is entering his first year with the Buffalo Bills.
The Vikings report to training camp in Mankato on July 25. Meantime, it appears Wallace has been spending time working out with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
We just Tryna be legendary 💪🏾🙏🏾🏈RT @teddyb_h2o: Great week of work @Wallace17_daKid #CallGod http://t.co/0HY7jQ593T
— Mike Wallace (@Wallace17_daKid) July 15, 2015