Reggie Wayne Could be a Perfect Fit in New England

With questions about Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and his future swirling around Lucas Oil Stadium, the status of former Pro Bowl receiver Reggie Wayne has almost become an afterthought.

Manning's favorite target is set to be a free agent this offseason and with the quarterback's departure almost guaranteed, Wayne could be looking for greener pastures in 2012.

While there are plenty of options to consider, including a reunion with Manning elsewhere, a place like New England could provide exactly what the 33-year old is looking for.

The Patriots are coming off an appearance in the Super Bowl, so if winning another title is a factor, Bill Belichick and the Patriots have a leg up on the competition. The Patriots, meanwhile, could be looking for an upgrade opposite Wes Welker, and the sure-handed Wayne could be the No. 2 receiver New England was looking for when they acquired Chad Ochocinco.

Sure, Ochocinco could be more of a factor next year with a whole offseason under his belt, but the addition of Wayne would provide insurance for the Patriots. If Ochocinco does pan out in year two, the already explosive Patriots offense could be downright lethal.

Wayne is coming off arguably his worst season statistically, catching only 75 passes for 960 yards and four touchdowns, the lowest in each category since 2003.  Manning's lost season likely cost Wayne a considerable amount of money but may have put the receiver within New England's price range.

Wayne to New England makes sense for many reasons, but one reason in particular makes more sense than the rest. Wayne has 11 years of experience in an offense much like the Patriots', in that the quarterback needs to trust his receivers to run precise routes every time out of the gate.

That is part of the reason Ochocinco failed to get acclimated with New England's system. His route running was less than perfect and he lacked a general understanding of the Patriots' complex offense because of the shortened offseason. Wayne is used to the demands of an offense where timing and precise route running are paramount, for over a decade he played with the only man on the planet who is more of a perfectionist than Tom Brady.

If Wayne does decide to venture outside the Indianapolis city limits, only one place has the personnel and offense to make him feel right at home.

And that place is Foxborough, Mass.


(nationalfootballauthority.com)