Almost a year ago the Minnesota Vikings traded a 2015 fifth-round draft pick to the Miami Dolphins for wide receiver Mike Wallace and a 2015 seventh-round draft pick. The Vikings had a successful season under second-year head coach Mike Zimmer this past season, as they won the NFC North division title for the first time since 2009.
While the Vikings were successful in making the playoffs for this first time since 2012, Wallace posted his worst numbers since being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2009. The Vikings receiver recorded 39 receptions for 473 yards with two touchdowns, and is expected to not return to Minnesota next season, especially at his current salary, according to Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Wallace is scheduled to make $11.5 million next season, and given his production on the field last season it makes sense why the Vikings' front office might look to let him go. It was the first season in Wallace's career that he was held under 500 receiving yards, and while he deserves some of the blame, Minnesota's passing offense clearly struggled.
The Vikings had the 31st ranked passing offense in the NFL, averaging 183 passing yards per game. Second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater improved under center this past season, but finished 22nd in the NFL in passing yards with 3,231 yards without missing a game. The Vikings dominated with their ground game, and star running back Adrian Peterson led the NFL with 1,485 rushing yards.
Rookie wide receiver Stefon Diggs led the Vikings receivers this past season with 720 yards and four touchdowns, and Minnesota's front office may look to save money by cutting Wallace and continuing to develop their young receiving core. Wallace will likely garner interest from teams across the league, and could look to bounce back with an offense that likes to air the ball out more than Minnesota.
