Patriots agree to deal with Reggie Wayne

The Patriots have a new receiver, and this one has a very big reputation.

The team has agreed to a deal with former Colts wideout Reggie Wayne, according to a source.

On WEEI this afternoon, Patriots coach Bill Belichick pretty much confirmed the transaction.

"I think we've agreed (to a contract)," Belichick said. "I've had several (conversations) with him. We'll see how it goes. We've never had him in our system before; coaching him in the Pro Bowl and all that, but we'll just have to see how it goes."

Wayne came to terms after visiting for a physical over the weekend.

The wide receiver's defection from Indianapolis is just the latest bit of gasoline on the fiery Patriots-Colts rivalry.

"He's certainy had a great career and has done a lot of things for the Colt organization, primarily playing on the left but then in more recent years being moved around to playing on the right and also in some slot situations. I think he has a lot of versatility and obviously he has a lot of experience, so we'll just have to see how it goes."

In a 14-year career with the Colts, Wayne is the franchise record-holder for games played with 211. In that time, he racked up 14,345 receiving yards and scored 82 touchdowns. As recently as 2012, Wayne had 106 catches for 1,335 yards. Both outputs were the second best of his career.

During the Colts' 2013 campaign, Wayne tore his ACL, and last season his numbers were down. He finished 2014 with 64 catches on 116 targets, and only had two touchdown receptions for Andrew Luck's prolific offense. In fact, in his last five seasons in Indy, Wayne caught just 19 TD passes in a span of 70 games.

Nonetheless, it's clear Wayne has the respect of Belichick, who spoke glowingly of the veteran before a meeting with the Colts last season.

"He's still really good at everything," Belichick said. "Obviously a real smart, experienced guy. Knows how to set up routes, make all of his routes look the same. Does a great job releasing, and then at the top of his routes, being able to create separation at just the right time when the quarterback is ready to throw."

Wayne is getting a shot in New England because the Patriots are thin at wide receiver with the season rapidly approaching.

Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell, Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce are all nursing injuries, so there's a chance that Wayne cracks the opening day roster, especially if LaFell (who has the most serious ailment of the bunch) opens the season on the PUP list.

ESPN first reported the Wayne signing.


(bostonherald.com)