NFL Free Agent Rumors: New England Patriots & Green Bay Packers Interested in Reggie Wayne
According to multiple NFL reports, the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers may sign Reggie Wayne this offseason.
Wayne is currently an unrestricted free agent having played his entire 14-year career with the Indianapolis Colts. Wayne is viewed as one of the best wide receivers of the 21st century, but the 36-year-old veteran is far past his prime.
Wayne still had an average season last year with 779 receiving yards. The Patriots and Packers don't need much passing help as they each have an elite quarterback at the helm. Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are fully capable of leading the way with their current receivers. This would be great for Wayne, however. Wayne would get the chance to catch passes from a Hall of Fame quarterback if he chooses one of these teams.
If Brady's suspension holds at four games, this may be a wise signing for the right price. Jimmy Garoppolo will be starting if Brady can't play.
The Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans have also showed some interest in Wayne. The Texans lost Andre Johnson this offseason, so there's no doubt they could use some more depth at the wide receiver position. The Ravens play in a tough AFC North division, so adding another target for Joe Flacco could be very beneficial.
All hopes of Wayne joining former teammate Peyton Manning appear to have dissipated. That same report indicated that the Denver Broncos have "backed off" from Wayne. More than likely this is because they were able to reach an agreement with wide receiver Demaryius Thomas just before last week's franchise tag signing deadline.
The Patriots have a solid slot receiver in Julian Edelman, an emerging wide out in Brandon LaFell and an elite tight end in Robert Gronkowski, so it won't surprising if they back out of this signing as well. The asking price by Wayne and his agent will be the ultimate driving force in this decision. The Patriots may choose to sign Wayne and release Aaron Dobson.
The Packers would be a very interesting fit for Wayne. Rodgers and the Packers passing attack can't get much better at the moment with Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson. Last season Nelson and Cobb had a combined 25 receiving touchdowns. Wayne has played his entire career in a dome and in the AFC. Playing outdoors in the NFC North at Lambeau Field might come as a shock for the former Miami alumni.
Wayne tore his ACL in 2013 and posted career lows across the board that season. However, he did rebound nicely last season with 64 catches, many in the slot area. Bill Belichick may have a plan for the veteran to thrive in his system. Maybe not Randy Moss in 2007, but if anyone can do it, Belichick can.
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1
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