Colts 2014 Positional Review: Wide Receiver
By Evan Reller
Nov 3, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (87) catches a touchdown pass against the New York Giants during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Colts defeated the Giants 40-24. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
2015 Contract: Unrestricted Free Agent
Stats: 64 receptions, 779 yards, 2 TDs
PFF Grade: -10.3
DVOA: -13.1% (71st) DYAR: -4 (71st)
Wayne returned to give the Colts a veteran presence to the receiving corps and was playing very well until Week Seven against the Bengals. Wayne had 419 yards receiving off 34 receptions going into that game.
The he suffered a torn tricep and became a shade of his former self. Wayne’s once sure hands became to fail him as he struggled to grip the ball leading to nine drops over the course of the season.
But it wasn’t just his hands, Wayne also struggled to get open consistently and corners never seemed to be that far off him.
Wayne is the same age, 36, as Harrison when he retired. The two have eerily similar numbers near the ends of their respective careers. Wide receivers have a tendency to drop off a cliff at the end and its usually related to injuries.
Wayne is a free agent, but we know that he will either re-sign with the Colts or retire. I’d like to see if there is anything left in the tank once Wayne get healthy, but it also feels a lot like this was his final season in a Colts uniform.