Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne has agreed to terms with the New England Patriots. The reports that he was working out with them started over the weekend, much to the chagrin of Colts fans everywhere.
Reggie Wayne and New England Patriots have reached agreement on a one-year deal, league source told ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 24, 2015
The Colts opted to not re-sign the 36-year old wide receiver after the season. Wayne suffered from a torn triceps that plagued him for most of this past season. He also tore his ACL in 2013, and missed half of the season. Wayne repeatedly stated that his desire was to play for one more season in the NFL, and then retire.
It was unlikely that he would sign with a team before training camp, and that injuries would drive up the interest in the 14-year veteran. The Carolina Panthers lost Kelvin Benjamin to a torn ACL last week, and would have been a likely landing spot for Wayne. The same could be said of the Green Bay Packers who might have lost Jordy Nelson for the season as well following yesterday’s preseason game.
Colts players were shocked to hear that Wayne might end up playing for the hated Patriots, but happy that he was able to play another season.
Said Vontae Davis: "Man, I can't even picture Reggie Wayne in a Patriots uniform. Not until I have to."
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) August 24, 2015
.@PatMcAfeeShow said he hopes Reggie Wayne does well with the Pats in every game except against the Colts
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) August 24, 2015
Adam Vinatieri on Reggie Wayne signing with Patriots: "Happy for him. To me he's still the quintessential Colt & will be forever and ever."
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) August 24, 2015
Wayne finished his 2014 season with 64 receptions for 779 yards and two touchdowns. He leaves the Colts as second all-time in receptions and yards behind Marvin Harrison. Those two are the only Colts to ever top 1,000 receptions and 10,000 yards receiving. Wayne is seventh all-time in the NFL in receptions and eighth in receiving yardage.
The Colts will host the Patriots in Week 6 on Sunday Night Football, Oct. 18. Wayne is sure to receive the same heroes welcome that the fans gave Peyton Manning when he returned to Indianapolis for the first time.