Big questions ahead for Colts and Reggie Wayne

Whether we've seen the last of Reggie Wayne isn't yet known.

But if the Indianapolis Colts great decides to return for a 15th season, it will set in motion a series of difficult decisions for the franchise.

Among them: Can it find a place for an aging receiver coming off one of his worst seasons? And what's a fair price for a player who clearly would have a greatly reduced role but who also is one of the franchise's greatest players?

Those are complicated matters that must be dealt with in a manner that doesn't disrespect an Indianapolis icon.

Colts General Manager Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano said this week at the NFL Scouting Combine that neither has had any recent discussions with Wayne, whose contract expires next month.

The team already has acquired CFL standout Duron Carter, son of Hall-of-Fame receiver Cris Carter. He's expected to be an important part of the rotation, though that's still a projection because of his lack of NFL experience.

Whether we've seen the last of Reggie Wayne isn't yet known.

But if the Indianapolis Colts great decides to return for a 15th season, it will set in motion a series of difficult decisions for the franchise.

Among them: Can it find a place for an aging receiver coming off one of his worst seasons? And what's a fair price for a player who clearly would have a greatly reduced role but who also is one of the franchise's greatest players?

Those are complicated matters that must be dealt with in a manner that doesn't disrespect an Indianapolis icon.

Colts General Manager Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano said this week at the NFL Scouting Combine that neither has had any recent discussions with Wayne, whose contract expires next month.

The team already has acquired CFL standout Duron Carter, son of Hall-of-Fame receiver Cris Carter. He's expected to be an important part of the rotation, though that's still a projection because of his lack of NFL experience.

He finished with a respectable 64 catches for 779 yards but was significantly less impactful late in the season than early on. Wayne's partially-torn triceps was certainly a factor, but his legs seemed to also lose a gear as the season wore on.

Wayne's triceps required surgery, meaning much of his offseason will entail rehab. But if he can regain his form from early in 2014, Wayne would have some definite appeal to the Colts. For example, flash back to September, when Wayne had nine catches for 98 yards against the Denver Broncos and seven catches for 119 yards against the Tennessee Titans.

Wayne's situation remains fluid for the Colts. At some point, there will be some difficult conversations. That time is coming.

"He's got my number," Pagano said, "and I've got his."


(indystar.com)