Photo Credit: Sam Riche/ The Indianapolis Star
Reggie Wayne had become an almost irreplaceable part of the Indianapolis Colts offensive line, becoming one of Andrew Luck’s go-to guys. However, Wayne is looking to make a difference on another team after not resigning with the Colts and it has been rumored that the 2015-2016 season will be Wayne’s last in the NFL. Right now, there are a few teams that Wayne is either interested in playing for or that are interested in having Wayne play for them.
Two of the teams reported to be interested in Wayne are the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans. Not long after the report about the Ravens was released, the Ravens made sure to clear the air. The Ravens have no interest in signing Reggie Wayne, given that they just drafted a wide receiver in the draft and they already have Steve Smith who has become one of QB Joe Flacco’s top wide receivers. Signing Wayne would make no sense for the Ravens and the Ravens made sure to end this rumor before it got any more traction.
Like the Ravens, the Houston Texans have denied that they are interested in Reggie Wayne. A reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain just blunted stated the truth. The tweet reads: “Texans not interested in Reggie Wayne”. The tweet is simple and straight to the point which is exactly how it should be. The Texans also have a few young receivers on their roster, so adding Wayne would throw off the balance and only seem to slow down a young offense. With the addition of new QB Brian Hoyer, the Texans already have enough to deal with offensively without worrying about having to pay Wayne.
Two more teams that are said to be interested in Wayne are the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers.
With the Patriots completely uneventful offseason, signing Wayne would be something that would get people talking. After last season’s “deflategate” scandal with the Patriots and Colts, it would be an interesting dynamic if Wayne went to the Patriots. While Wayne would be playing with an already established and talented offensive line, he would get a chance to have a final hurrah before retiring and also have a chance to get a Super bowl ring under his belt. With a whopping 82 touchdowns in his 14-year career, signing Wayne would add some more depth and experience to a relatively young offensive line.
Wayne has worked with great quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck, but could Aaron Rodgers be next? It has been reported that the Packers are showing some interest in Wayne. Granted, the Packers have a few excellent wide receivers such as Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson, but most of the offensive line is young and adding Wayne would no doubt make the offensive line stronger. Wayne would bring both experience and talent to a team overflowing with both while also having a chance at earning a Super bowl ring. One drawback would be that Wayne could have to fight for a roster spot with all of the young talent, especially with Davante Adams and newly drafted Ty Montgomery.
While it is unclear where Wayne will end up right now, it looks like the Packers and the Patriots are the two main contenders. Business will inevitably be the reason why Wayne ends up where he does especially in terms of salary caps and how much and how many teams are willing to gamble on drafting Wayne for one year. A prediction where Wayne will end up seems premature at this point, but hopefully Wayne will be able to capture some of his former glory.
