The New England Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick have developed a reputation over the years for being able to take aging star castoffs from other teams and squeeze one or two or sometimes even three years of production out of their fading talents. Former Patriots-rival and likely future first ballot Hall of Famer, receiver Reggie Wayne, may soon be set to join the ranks of New England career resurrections, as Wayne, per a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, is set to fly to Foxborough to meet with the Patriots and take a physical.
ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed the report shortly thereafter, adding that the six-time Pro Bowler arrived in New England on Saturday.
Despite Wayne's illustrious career to date, he was a shadow of his former self last season as he dealt with a plethora of injuries. He finished the disappointing year with just 64 receptions for 779 yards and two touchdowns. While Wayne's game has always been predicated on precise route-running and the ability to find holes in defensive coverage, his diminishing physical skills could make his chances at one final run in New England, slim.
"Very little," an AFC executive said, via Albert Breer of NFL.com, when asked how much Wayne has left in the tank. "Possession guy with hands and savvy-ness, but loss of speed and explosiveness evident. Maybe as a role player, but don't see him as a starter solution."
Of course, with the injury issues currently facing the Patriots - Julian Edelman has been out since Aug. 2 with a leg/ankle injury, Brandon LaFell is on the PUP, Aaron Dobson is dealing with a hamstring issue, and Brian Tyms and Brandon Gibson's seasons may already be over - a clearly past-his-prime Wayne may be better than the alternatives.
And considering the output the Patriots were able to get from a guy like Randy Moss when everyone else had already thrown in the towel on his professional career after two difficult seasons in Oakland, there's nothing that says Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady can't do the same with Wayne, a player they've watched carve up their own defenses for over a decade now.
An NFC executive, speaking to Breer, indicated his own belief that Wayne has at least "one more productive year" in him. The Pats had better hope so.
