Indianapolis Colts’ WR Reggie Wayne mulling retirement after surgery
Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne is contemplating whether to return for another season in the NFL or if the veteran will hang up the cleats and retire.
Reggie Wayne is contemplating retirement after undergoing surgery to repair a torn triceps as the Indianapolis Colts wait to hear if the 36-year-old receiver will choose to return for a 15th season.
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Wayne has battled triceps, knee and elbow injuries the last two years that have robbed the former Pro Bowl receiver of the explosiveness and sure hands he displayed for the first decade-plus of his potential Hall of Fame career and is a free agent.
At the end of the season, Wayne expressed interest in returning to the Colts for 2015, provided the team even wants him back, but has been upfront about his wish to only play for the only franchise he’s known.
Speaking of veterans, #Colts WR Reggie Wayne had triceps surgery and is now rehabbing as he mulls whether to play in 2015. Colts wait, too.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 27, 2015
Wayne had 64 catches for 779 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games last year. If he retires, he will finish his career with 1,070 receptions for 14,345 yards and 82 touchdowns and six Pro Bowl appearances. His receptions and yards are the most for active players and rank seventh and eighth, respectively, all-time.
This much is clear, the Colts need to upgrade the position even if Wayne returns in a reduced role and on a reduced salary with Hakeem Nicks expected to leave via free agency.
T.Y. Hilton backed up his breakout season in 2013 with an even better 2014 with 82 catches for 1,345 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games. Second-year receiver Donte Moncrief looks like a breakout candidate in 2015 after 32 catches for 444 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie.
The Colts are expected to gauge the free agent market that could be flush with veteran receivers when free agency begins in March.
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