Perhaps it’s a little premature to start the countdown to Reggie Wayne’s Hall of Fame candidacy. His career might not be over.
The New England Patriots signed the former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver to a one-year contract Monday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Reggie Wayne and New England Patriots have reached agreement on a one-year deal, league source told ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 24, 2015
Wayne is now on the opposite side of a rivalry between AFC superpowers that has lasted for more than a decade. A six-time Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro in 2010, Wayne is seventh all-time with 1,070 receptions and eighth with 14,345 receiving yards.
Colts fans might think it’s blasphemous for Wayne to put on the uniform of the hated Patriots. But Wayne won’t wear it prominently enough for anyone to have any lasting memory. He’s been on the decline for the past two seasons and turns 37 in November.
Only Jerry Rice (five times), Charlie Joiner (twice), Terrell Owens and Tim Brown have caught 50 or more passes in a season at age 37 or older. Wayne won’t be the fifth. His role will be minimal at best.
After catching at least 75 passes for nine straight seasons, Wayne played in just seven games in 2013 and caught 38 passes before tearing his ACL. He had 64 receptions last season, but was hampered by a torn triceps and caught only 10 passes in the last four games. He was targeted just five times with one reception in three playoff games.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 16: Reggie Wayne #87 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball against the New England Patriots during the first quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 16, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Patriots know a thing or two about injuries to wide receivers, and that’s why they reached out to Wayne.
Brandon Gibson, their co-leader in preseason receptions with 12, is out for the season with a torn ACL he suffered Saturday in New Orleans, according to Rotoworld. Brandon LaFell, who caught 74 passes last year, still hasn’t been activated from the physically-unable-to-perform list. Aaron Dobson has yet to play in the preseason because of a hamstring injury. Julian Edelman, their leading pass catcher last year with 92, has been limited in practice since Aug. 2 with an undisclosed injury.
Perhaps the Patriots are being extra cautious with Edelman so they don’t lose him for an extended period of time. Who ever would have thought that Rob Gronkowski would be the model of health among the team’s receivers and tight ends?
The Patriots are wise to snap up Wayne before a team like the Packers, who lost Jordy Nelson for the season on Sunday. Why not see what he has left?
It’s not a whole lot. The Patriots better hope their receiving corps gets healthier before the Pittsburgh Steelers come to town Sept. 10.