Reggie Wayne remains on the NFL free agent market and the wide receiver could have a team soon after the New England Patriots had him in for a physical and this comes as the Carolina Panthers also could be a fit after losing Kelvin Benjamin to a torn ACL injury this summer.
Wayne was not re-signed by the Colts this offseason and he has not had much interest on the market apart from some interest from the Texans, Bengals and Dolphins. According to ESPN, Adam Schefter reports that Wayne is taking a physical for the Patriots and could be an option for the team in the preseason. Wayne is a very experienced player, but he is at the end of his career and at best would be a third or fourth WR option.
Pro Football Talk reports that Bill Belichick said that Wayne is "still a very dangerous receiver" dating back to last season and he could be a fit for the Pats offense. Wayne is obviously experienced and he has always had sure hands and great route running ability. The Patriots have Brandon LaFell dealing with an injury, but he is expected to be fine for the season and he is on the depth chart with Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Brandon Gibson, Aaron Dobson, Josh Boyce and Matt Slater.
Wayne dealt with an ACL injury in 2013 and had a solid comeback this past season, but he had offseason surgery on his triceps and knee and teams could be concerned about that. The Pats clearly want to check out Wayne and see how he looks physically and that could lead to a deal getting done. Pro Football Talk reports that the Panthers could look at Reggie Wayne or Wes Welker after losing Kelvin Benjamin to an injury. Add the Packers to that list, as the team just lost Jordy Nelson to an ACL tear.
Wayne played in 15 games last season and had 64 catches for 779 yards and two touchdowns. Wayne had not missed a game before his injury in 2013 since back in 2002 and he could be a solid depth option for the Pats, as he likely will be cheap to sign. Edelman has been very productive for the Patriots the past two seasons, putting up nearly 200 catches and 10 combined touchdowns. Danny Amendola had a down season with 27 catches in 2014 and while Wayne won't be taking over for him anyway even if he signs, it would be a very low risk move for the Pats.
Benjamin is out after a strong rookie season and the Panthers will need Devin Funchess and other players to step up. Benjamin comes in after making 73 catches for 1008 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie and he will be a big piece missing for the Panthers.
Check here for more on Wayne and the Patriots interest. Check here for more on the Panthers and Benjamin and more on Wes Welker and Jordy Nelson's injury.