Colts Won’t Re-Sign WR Reggie Wayne

The Indianapolis Colts announced Friday that they will not be re-signing veteran WR Reggie Wayne.

Statement from Colts GM Ryan Grigson:

“Everyone knows the greatness and history associated with number 87. He truly is one of a small handful of players who really define the Colts as an organization. He was already a Hall of Famer in the making when Chuck and I arrived in Indianapolis in 2012, but no one has contributed more, on the field and in this building, to our turnaround, our continued growth, and our overall success since then.  Reggie was the catalyst that sparked and ignited the team during our comeback against Green Bay in 2012.  His gritty performance that day and that entire challenging season infused us all with the belief we could overcome any obstacle. His dedication and the example he set are second to none. We wish him nothing but the best in whatever new endeavor he pursues.”

Statement from HC Chuck Pagano:

“My relationship with Reggie goes back to my coaching days at the University of Miami. He is the epitome of what a coach looks for in a player. Hard work, dedication, and sacrifice are just a few ways I would describe him. He encompasses everything that is right about this game, on and off the field. I am so grateful I had the chance to coach Reggie again when I arrived in 2012. It was a blessing to see the impact that he made with this organization and Colts fans around the world. I wish him all the best in the future and thank him for representing the horseshoe in the most professional manner.”

Statement from Colts owner Jim Irsay:

“Reggie is one of the greatest men to ever wear the horseshoe, and we have been blessed to watch him play for the past 14 years.  When he first took the field with us in 2001, we knew this day would eventually arrive.  That reality is one of the things that makes pro football such a tough business.  We feel this decision is in the best interests of the team and for Reggie as it will allow him to seek a better opportunity for playing time elsewhere if he so chooses. Reggie is beloved by the Colts organization and our fans and he will always be a part of the Colts family.  I look forward to the day in the near future when our great number 87 enters the Colts Ring of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”

Wayne, 36, was taken in the first round of the 2001 draft by the Colts. He’s played his entire career in Indianapolis and is in the discussion as a potential Hall of Fame receiver along with fellow Colt Marvin Harrison.

Wayne has yet to decide if he’ll continue his career, as he will be an unrestricted free agent in the coming days.

In 2014, Wayne appeared in 15 games and caught 64 passes for 779 yards and two touchdowns for the Colts. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 106 receiver out of 110 qualifying players, so this clearly wasn’t a great season by his standards.