Reggie Wayne signs with Pats

[Moranis]

Interesting signing.  Obviously not nearly the player he once was, but shouldn't make too many mistakes if he makes it on the field.

[Rondo2287]

So pats top 4 receivers this year will be

Lafell, Edelman, Wayne, Dobson

With a healthy Gronk and Scott Chandler at TE. 

If Brady plays all 16 games and is p---ed off at the NFL I think he may be MVP. 

[celticsclay]

I wonder how hard Welker tried to get back on the pats...

[littleteapot]

I wonder how hard Welker tried to get back on the pats...

He tried but he couldn't remember where they played.

[Donoghus]

I wonder how hard Welker tried to get back on the pats...

Welker should retire to save himself. 

[celticsclay]

I wonder how hard Welker tried to get back on the pats...

Welker should retire to save himself.

I agree... but he doesn't want to. He is in a sense being blackballed out of the league on health concerns it seems. He could definitely be a 4th receiver I think from talent alone. He also isn't ancient (he is a few years younger then wayne) and wasn't sure fast to begin with.

[Donoghus]

Christopher Price had an article about what to possibly expect out of Wayne this season (assuming he makes the roster)

In the wake of this week’s signing of Reggie Wayne, there was some talk about what sort of expectations the Patriots might have for the veteran wide receiver in 2015. With the understanding that Wayne will turn 37 in November, here’s a look at the 10 best seasons for 37-year-old receivers in the history of the NFL.

1. Terrell Owens (2010), 72 catches, 983 yards, 9 touchdowns
2. Jerry Rice (1999), 67 catches, 830 yards, 5 touchdowns
3. Charlie Joiner (1984), 61 catches, 793 yards, 6 touchdowns
4. Tim Brown (2003), 52 catches, 567 yards, 2 touchdowns
5. Art Monk (1994), 46 catches, 581 yards, 3 touchdowns
6. Drew Hill (1993), 34 catches, 384 yards, 0 touchdowns
7. Don Maynard (1972), 29 catches, 510 yards, 2 touchdowns
8. Irving Fryar (1999), 26 catches, 254 yards, 2 touchdowns
9. Ricky Proehl (2005), 25 catches, 441 yards, 4 touchdowns
10. Keenan McCardell (2007), 22 catches, 256 yards, 1 touchdown

While Wayne’s career arc has slipped as of late (he’s gone from 111 catches and 1,355 receiving yards in 2010 to 64 catches for 779 yards last season), provided he stays healthy in 2015, there’s the real possibility of him showing up on this list at the end of the year. One interesting historical comparison could be Monk. Both have a relatively similar body type (Wayne is 6-foot and 198 pounds, while Monk was a slightly bigger target at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds), and both are known as being steady and relatively durable. (Between the ages of 30 and 37, they each played in at least 15 seasons in six of seven seasons.) Monk spent 14 years with Washington before joining the Jets in 1994. In his lone season with the Jets, the 37-year-old managed to catch 46 passes. Wayne is on a similar path, having spent 14 years with the Colts before joining the Patriots. Ultimately, considering the environment he’s walking into and his past record, if he’s able to replicate Monk’s production, New England will probably be very happy.

[celticsclay]

Christopher Price had an article about what to possibly expect out of Wayne this season (assuming he makes the roster)

In the wake of this week’s signing of Reggie Wayne, there was some talk about what sort of expectations the Patriots might have for the veteran wide receiver in 2015. With the understanding that Wayne will turn 37 in November, here’s a look at the 10 best seasons for 37-year-old receivers in the history of the NFL.

1. Terrell Owens (2010), 72 catches, 983 yards, 9 touchdowns
2. Jerry Rice (1999), 67 catches, 830 yards, 5 touchdowns
3. Charlie Joiner (1984), 61 catches, 793 yards, 6 touchdowns
4. Tim Brown (2003), 52 catches, 567 yards, 2 touchdowns
5. Art Monk (1994), 46 catches, 581 yards, 3 touchdowns
6. Drew Hill (1993), 34 catches, 384 yards, 0 touchdowns
7. Don Maynard (1972), 29 catches, 510 yards, 2 touchdowns
8. Irving Fryar (1999), 26 catches, 254 yards, 2 touchdowns
9. Ricky Proehl (2005), 25 catches, 441 yards, 4 touchdowns
10. Keenan McCardell (2007), 22 catches, 256 yards, 1 touchdown

While Wayne’s career arc has slipped as of late (he’s gone from 111 catches and 1,355 receiving yards in 2010 to 64 catches for 779 yards last season), provided he stays healthy in 2015, there’s the real possibility of him showing up on this list at the end of the year. One interesting historical comparison could be Monk. Both have a relatively similar body type (Wayne is 6-foot and 198 pounds, while Monk was a slightly bigger target at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds), and both are known as being steady and relatively durable. (Between the ages of 30 and 37, they each played in at least 15 seasons in six of seven seasons.) Monk spent 14 years with Washington before joining the Jets in 1994. In his lone season with the Jets, the 37-year-old managed to catch 46 passes. Wayne is on a similar path, having spent 14 years with the Colts before joining the Patriots. Ultimately, considering the environment he’s walking into and his past record, if he’s able to replicate Monk’s production, New England will probably be very happy.

It seems like historical data in the US may not be super useful in trying to predict how older players will perform because rule changes (specifically related to Wayne, changes in how targeting is calling) and medical advancements gives players a much better chance at performing in a high level in their late 30's.

[PhoSita]

Sounds like the best case scenario is that Wayne more or less gives the Pats what they got out of Brandon LaFell last year.

Seems like a very good thing the Pats signed Chandler in the off-season.  With Vereen gone and most of the WRs injured heading into the season, they're going to need to rely heavily on the tight ends in the passing game. 

Will probably need to run the ball quite a lot, too.  Good thing the team used a bunch of draft picks on run-blocking offensive linesmen.


Expect the offense to be even more dink-and-dunky than it has been in the past, particularly if Garoppolo plays.

[Evantime34]

Sounds like the best case scenario is that Wayne more or less gives the Pats what they got out of Brandon LaFell last year.

Seems like a very good thing the Pats signed Chandler in the off-season.  With Vereen gone and most of the WRs injured heading into the season, they're going to need to rely heavily on the tight ends in the passing game. 

Will probably need to run the ball quite a lot, too.  Good thing the team used a bunch of draft picks on run-blocking offensive linesmen.


Expect the offense to be even more dink-and-dunky than it has been in the past, particularly if Garoppolo plays.

I think the Chandler signing means that their base will be two tight ends and two wide outs. That formation lends itself towards running the ball more (unless a team loads the box in which case Gronk should be able to get open over the top).

[PhoSita]

Sounds like the best case scenario is that Wayne more or less gives the Pats what they got out of Brandon LaFell last year.

Seems like a very good thing the Pats signed Chandler in the off-season.  With Vereen gone and most of the WRs injured heading into the season, they're going to need to rely heavily on the tight ends in the passing game. 

Will probably need to run the ball quite a lot, too.  Good thing the team used a bunch of draft picks on run-blocking offensive linesmen.


Expect the offense to be even more dink-and-dunky than it has been in the past, particularly if Garoppolo plays.

I think the Chandler signing means that their base will be two tight ends and two wide outs. That formation lends itself towards running the ball more (unless a team loads the box in which case Gronk should be able to get open over the top).

Agreed.

I expect to see a lot of 5-10 yard passes to Gronk, Chandler, Edelman, and a smattering of other small, sturdy guys.  On top of that, lots and power running and screen plays.

Garoppolo, if he starts, will probably be a hand-off machine with a healthy dose of play action.  Not unlike what Sanchez did with the Jets.

With Jimmy G, when they've really established the run and the offensive line is doing well, they might be able to mix in some deep throws -- the kind that Brady can't really make anymore.   That may be the sort of play where Wayne comes in.  Or perhaps Boyce or one of the undrafted guys.  I don't expect anything out of Aaron Dobson anymore (what a disappointing class of receivers).

[Donoghus]

Christopher Price had an article about what to possibly expect out of Wayne this season (assuming he makes the roster)

In the wake of this week’s signing of Reggie Wayne, there was some talk about what sort of expectations the Patriots might have for the veteran wide receiver in 2015. With the understanding that Wayne will turn 37 in November, here’s a look at the 10 best seasons for 37-year-old receivers in the history of the NFL.

1. Terrell Owens (2010), 72 catches, 983 yards, 9 touchdowns
2. Jerry Rice (1999), 67 catches, 830 yards, 5 touchdowns
3. Charlie Joiner (1984), 61 catches, 793 yards, 6 touchdowns
4. Tim Brown (2003), 52 catches, 567 yards, 2 touchdowns
5. Art Monk (1994), 46 catches, 581 yards, 3 touchdowns
6. Drew Hill (1993), 34 catches, 384 yards, 0 touchdowns
7. Don Maynard (1972), 29 catches, 510 yards, 2 touchdowns
8. Irving Fryar (1999), 26 catches, 254 yards, 2 touchdowns
9. Ricky Proehl (2005), 25 catches, 441 yards, 4 touchdowns
10. Keenan McCardell (2007), 22 catches, 256 yards, 1 touchdown

While Wayne’s career arc has slipped as of late (he’s gone from 111 catches and 1,355 receiving yards in 2010 to 64 catches for 779 yards last season), provided he stays healthy in 2015, there’s the real possibility of him showing up on this list at the end of the year. One interesting historical comparison could be Monk. Both have a relatively similar body type (Wayne is 6-foot and 198 pounds, while Monk was a slightly bigger target at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds), and both are known as being steady and relatively durable. (Between the ages of 30 and 37, they each played in at least 15 seasons in six of seven seasons.) Monk spent 14 years with Washington before joining the Jets in 1994. In his lone season with the Jets, the 37-year-old managed to catch 46 passes. Wayne is on a similar path, having spent 14 years with the Colts before joining the Patriots. Ultimately, considering the environment he’s walking into and his past record, if he’s able to replicate Monk’s production, New England will probably be very happy.

It seems like historical data in the US may not be super useful in trying to predict how older players will perform because rule changes (specifically related to Wayne, changes in how targeting is calling) and medical advancements gives players a much better chance at performing in a high level in their late 30's.

Sure it can be.  We can always go "pie in the sky" thinking and believe that it'll be Moss '07 redux but let's be realistic here, those are some solid comparisons and we're also talking about a player coming off a variety of health issues and 37 years old. Barring some unforeseen calamities, best case scenario for him is to project as a WR2 or WR3 here.   You add in the Gronk factor and I think Wayne's numbers won't be anything spectacular.   

I think what Price is doing here is grounding expectations and while it certainly wouldn't surprise me if Wayne did crack this top ten, I certainly wouldn't be shocked either if he didn't come close to it. 

At this stage, the Wayne signing is about adding depth to a depleted receiving corps and hoping the guy has something left in the tank.  He probably does but I'm not sure how much.

[kozlodoev]

Interesting signing.  Obviously not nearly the player he once was, but shouldn't make too many mistakes if he makes it on the field.

Well, our WRs have been dropping like flies, so at this point we need a guy who can stand on both feet and catch a ball...

[celticsclay]

Christopher Price had an article about what to possibly expect out of Wayne this season (assuming he makes the roster)

In the wake of this week’s signing of Reggie Wayne, there was some talk about what sort of expectations the Patriots might have for the veteran wide receiver in 2015. With the understanding that Wayne will turn 37 in November, here’s a look at the 10 best seasons for 37-year-old receivers in the history of the NFL.

1. Terrell Owens (2010), 72 catches, 983 yards, 9 touchdowns
2. Jerry Rice (1999), 67 catches, 830 yards, 5 touchdowns
3. Charlie Joiner (1984), 61 catches, 793 yards, 6 touchdowns
4. Tim Brown (2003), 52 catches, 567 yards, 2 touchdowns
5. Art Monk (1994), 46 catches, 581 yards, 3 touchdowns
6. Drew Hill (1993), 34 catches, 384 yards, 0 touchdowns
7. Don Maynard (1972), 29 catches, 510 yards, 2 touchdowns
8. Irving Fryar (1999), 26 catches, 254 yards, 2 touchdowns
9. Ricky Proehl (2005), 25 catches, 441 yards, 4 touchdowns
10. Keenan McCardell (2007), 22 catches, 256 yards, 1 touchdown

While Wayne’s career arc has slipped as of late (he’s gone from 111 catches and 1,355 receiving yards in 2010 to 64 catches for 779 yards last season), provided he stays healthy in 2015, there’s the real possibility of him showing up on this list at the end of the year. One interesting historical comparison could be Monk. Both have a relatively similar body type (Wayne is 6-foot and 198 pounds, while Monk was a slightly bigger target at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds), and both are known as being steady and relatively durable. (Between the ages of 30 and 37, they each played in at least 15 seasons in six of seven seasons.) Monk spent 14 years with Washington before joining the Jets in 1994. In his lone season with the Jets, the 37-year-old managed to catch 46 passes. Wayne is on a similar path, having spent 14 years with the Colts before joining the Patriots. Ultimately, considering the environment he’s walking into and his past record, if he’s able to replicate Monk’s production, New England will probably be very happy.

It seems like historical data in the US may not be super useful in trying to predict how older players will perform because rule changes (specifically related to Wayne, changes in how targeting is calling) and medical advancements gives players a much better chance at performing in a high level in their late 30's.

Sure it can be.  We can always go "pie in the sky" thinking and believe that it'll be Moss '07 redux but let's be realistic here, those are some solid comparisons and we're also talking about a player coming off a variety of health issues and 37 years old. Barring some unforeseen calamities, best case scenario for him is to project as a WR2 or WR3 here.   You add in the Gronk factor and I think Wayne's numbers won't be anything spectacular.   

I think what Price is doing here is grounding expectations and while it certainly wouldn't surprise me if Wayne did crack this top ten, I certainly wouldn't be shocked either if he didn't come close to it. 

At this stage, the Wayne signing is about adding depth to a depleted receiving corps and hoping the guy has something left in the tank.  He probably does but I'm not sure how much.

I am not sure what your pie in the sky refers to. I am not thinking Wayne is going to have an amazing year. I am just saying that some highly skilled players have the opportunity to perform better at a later age than previous generations of the sports. This would be pretty hard to argue against at the QB position where the best players (Peyton, Brady Brees) are excelling at an age when very few have previously played. While the rule changes at WR are not as pronounced as they have been at QB, I do think the implementation of Targeting could allow a few posession type receivers (coupled with improvements in medical procedures, diet, etc) to have a little bit longer careers than in the past.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

So pats top 4 receivers this year will be

Lafell, Edelman, Wayne, Dobson

With a healthy Gronk and Scott Chandler at TE. 

If Brady plays all 16 games and is p---ed off at the NFL I think he may be MVP.

If all those guys are healthy, yes, things could be fabulous. Right now, though, at least half those guys are out.