Reggie Wayne signed with the New England Patriots just a couple short weeks ago, but he is already on his way out of town. According to a report from Adam Schefter, Wayne asked for his release from the Patriots.
WR Reggie Wayne asked to be released, according to source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2015
Needless to say, this opens up the opportunity for the two teams in need of a receiver like Wayne to swoop in and pick him up. Both the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers are in need of a consistent veteran presence like Wayne and he would likely be more than interested in working out a deal with either team now. Carolina is in the most need of a player like Wayne and they need to be very aggressive trying to sign him.
Schefter did report that Wayne is expected to retire by quite a few people around the NFL, but he likely would listen to the right offer.
Expectation around the NFL is that former Patriots WR Reggie Wayne now will retire.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2015
It seems strange that things went downhill so fast with Wayne in New England. Not only did he lose his desire to play with the Patriots, but he apparently lost his desire to play another season? Things just don’t add up unless something hasn’t been released the public yet such as an injury.
During the 2014 season with the Indianapolis Colts, Wayne ended up catching 64 passes for 779 yards and two touchdowns.
Carolina cannot allow Wayne to ride off into the sunset without making a very strong pitch to him about why he should sign with them. Cam Newton is in desperate need of another target after Kelvin Benjamin went down with a torn ACL. Devin Funchess is a very good receiver, but he isn’t capable of stepping up and being a consistent number one target each and every week.
That being said, Wayne is the type of veteran that could come in and make an impact immediately. Not only could he make an impact on the field, he could also help mentor both Benjamin and Funchess.
No matter what kind of money it would take to bring Wayne on board for a season, the Panthers should do whatever it takes to sign him. They may not get huge numbers from him, but a consistent four or five catches per game would be a major addition for Newton.
Expect to hear rumors about teams trying to convince Wayne to sign with them, but it will be interesting if he is already sold on retiring following the failed New England experiment.
