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NFL Free Agency: New Homes For Reggie Wayne

By Erik Lambert

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Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (87) against the Denver Broncos in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Reggie Wayne has shown plenty of patience thus far in NFL free agency.  So much in fact that many believed he was slowly working his way towards retirement.  However, the 36-year old quickly squashed any such idea.

He finished the 2014 season with 779 yards and two touchdowns on 64 catches.  It was the lowest total in which he’s played a full season since 2002.  Even so, there is reason to believe there is at least one more good year in that body provided he lands in the right situation, most likely for a contender.

Here are a couple teams to watch carefully.

Denver Broncos

This really shouldn’t be a surprise.  Who knows Wayne better as a receiver than Peyton Mannning?  The two spent years building Hall of Fame numbers together in Indianapolis.  Not only would nostalgia compel the receiver to head to the Denver Broncos, but it’s mutually beneficial venture.

Though Demaryius Thomas is re-signed, he and Emmanuel Sanders are the only two proven receivers on that offense.  After that it’s veteran Andre Caldwell and second-year man Cody Latimer.  Far cries from what they had in Eric Decker.  Wayne would be such a welcome relief to their depth concerns alone and he would be able to join a team that is still in contention for the Super Bowl.

Kansas City Chiefs

Signing Jeremy Maclin was the right thing to do for the Kansas City Chiefs, but it’s hard to imagine that will be enough to overcome the fact their wide receiving unit had zero touchdowns in 2014.  De’Anthony Thomas and Jason Avant both have their uses but are hardly true #2 receivers.  Third round pick Chris Conley has tons of promise but is very raw.

Wayne is a savvy veteran who though not as explosive as he once was can still be a capable possession receiver, moving the chains and presenting Alex Smith with another reliable target to help compliment that running game.

St. Louis Rams

Kenny Britt was quite productive last season for the St. Louis Rams but remains somewhat of a gamble given his history.  Tavon Austin, Brian Quick and Stedman Bailey all have talent but haven’t been able to unlock it.  Perhaps Nick Foles is what they’ve been missing, but head coach Jeff Fisher is smart enough to know a team can never have enough options.

Reggie Wayne won’t have to be the hero in that offense.  St. Louis is a throwback team that will run the ball and play defense.  He will be asked to make consistent catches to keep drives going, not big plays to light up the scoreboard.  It’s something any veteran worth his salt can do, and there are few better.

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