Wide receiver Reggie Wayne’s short stay with the New England Patriots is over, lasting two preseason games. Wayne caught two passes for 24 yards. The Patriots granted his release. According to CBSsports.com former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak stated that Wayne wanted out because “New England’s work environment was tough and playing for the Patriots was not fun.” What is next for Reggie Wayne?
Reggie Wayne is in his 15th NFL season. He has 14,345 yards and 82 touchdowns in his career. Wayne is still one of the best wide receivers in the game even though his production has gone down the last two years. According totheindychannel.com Coach Bill Belichick said, “Obviously, Reggie’s time here was brief, but it only confirmed what I already thought — he is a true professional who represents every positive attribute a player should emulate. Our parting was mutually agreed upon and I am personally grateful to have worked with one of the great NFL players of the past two decades.”
Two years ago Wayne underwent surgery on a torn ACL. A torn ACL is always tough to come back from. He hasn’t looked like a number one receiver. He is not coming back as a number one receiver but could be the second or third option.
There are plenty of teams who could use Wayne. Denver could be a landing spot. Wayne stated that he wants to play for a contending team. Denver is a team that could use Wayne. Wayne played with Peyton Manning in Indianapolis for 11 years. During that time with Manning, Wayne was his number one target. The problem with Denver is they seem set with their top two wide receivers of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. The Broncos are still searching for a third wide receiver. Wayne is not a slot receiver.
Two other teams that he might consider are the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers. Green Bay is without Jordy Nelson for the season because of a torn ACL. Wayne should go to Green Bay because Rodgers will throw him the ball and he would become the number two deep threat behind only Randell Cobb. The Packers are a team ready to win now.
The Carolina Panthers are also searching for another wide receiver after Kelvin Benjamin suffered a torn ACL in the preseason. If Wayne decides to join Carolina, he would be the number one receiver for Cam Newton. The only problem with the Panthers is they are not a team built to win a championship right now. They are at least two to three years away.
The other option for him is retirement. There is no shame if he feels it’s time to walk away. He has shown the NFL he is one of the best wide receivers to play the game. There isn’t anything left for him to prove.
What team should pick-up Reggie Wayne?
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