Despite late interest from the Packers, reported early Monday, the New England Patriots were able to lock down wide receiver Reggie Wayne on a one-year deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Wayne, 36, is a veteran of 14 NFL seasons and six Pro Bowls. With Julian Edelman, out since Aug. 2 with a leg/ankle injury, Brandon LaFell on the PUP, Aaron Dobson dealing with a hamstring issue, and Brian Tyms and Brandon Gibson's seasons possibly already over, the Pats and head coach Bill Belichick sorely needed a veteran addition to the wide receiver corps.
Of course, considering Wayne's advanced age and limited production last season - 64 receptions for 779 yards and two touchdowns - it's hard to envision the Pats getting much out of him in 2015, despite his long history of NFL success.
"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."
Then again, the Pats, Belichick and future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady have developed something of a reputation for getting good production out of players presumed to be past their prime. Wayne represents a good pick-up for the Pats in that he was the best option available at this late date, but there's no guarantee they'll be able to get high-quality play out of his aging body this season.
