Revisiting the Vikings-Dolphins Trade for Mike Wallace

The need for a No. 1 wide receiver causes some teams to do some crazy things, like trading for Mike Wallace.

After four solid years as a deep threat with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wallace signed with the Miami Dolphins, where he failed top top 1,000 yards in two straight seasons. In need of a stud receiver, the Minnesota Vikings swooped in and brought Wallace up north, starting what would become a painful year in the Twin Cities.

In exchange for Wallace and a 2015 seventh-round pick, the Vikings sent Miami a fifth round-pick in the 2015 draft, which the Dolphins used to unearth a hidden gem and select Boise State running back Jay Ajayi. While Adam Gase traded him away, Ajayi did run for 1,272 yards and eight touchdowns in 2016, making a Pro Bowl that campaign.

Wallace struggled mightily in Minnesota, catching just 39 passes for 472 yards and just two touchdowns as a Viking. He struggled with his new role as a slot receiver while also battling constant problems with drops.

Wallace was booted out of Minnesota after one season. He signed with Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens after the year, citing his need to upgrade at quarterback over Teddy Bridgewater, a statement that looks ridiculous in 2020 considering where the two are at in their careers. Wallace was excellent during two years in Baltimore, but hasn't played since his cup of coffee with the Eagles in 2018.

Who Won The Trade?

Miami are the clear winners in this deal. Wallace might have recaptured his old form in Baltimore, but Minnesota gave up a solid, explosive back in Ajayi for one subpar year of Wallace. One of the rare times Gase actually came out on top.