Denver Broncos: Reggie Wayne Would Be A Worthy Addition

When you think of what the Denver Broncos are lacking as a team, the last thing that would come to mind is an explosive offense. That and probably a quarterback but you get my point. The Broncos seem to be set at every position on offense save for a few question marks on offensive line and depth at wide receiver. Wes Welker is currently a free agent and it does not appear that the team is intent on bringing him back after a mediocre 2014 season.

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Welker also lost much of his snaps to former Pittsburgh Steeler Emmanuel Sanders who became one of Peyton Manning’s favored targets. Sanders had a tremendous year opposite Demaryius Thomas and finished out the season with 101 catches for 1,404 yards. The Broncos also have Andre Caldwell on the roster and recently spent a second round pick on Cody Latimer out of Indiana in the 2014 NFL Draft. Latimer made little to no impact last season and was limited to two receptions in eight games. He did have one good game in the preseason but has yet to truly impress.

So with the possiblity of Wes Welker not returning to the team and two unproven backups at receiver, who can the Broncos turn to for help at the position? Reginald “Reggie” Wayne, that’s who. Wayne was released by the Indianapolis Colts this offseason after spending 14 years with the team, much of them with Peyton Manning as his quarterback.

The former University of Miami star looks to be a sure-fire Hall of Famer after amassing over 14,000 yards in his 14 year career. Wayne topped the 1,000 yard mark seven years in a row and fell just 40 yards short in 2011 when the Colts started the likes of Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky at quarterback. Last season he was not the focal point of the offense as talented youngsters TY Hilton and Donte Moncrief took much of the spotlight but still put up respectable numbers (64 catches for 779 yards).

Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts receiver Reggie Wayne (87) makes a catch prior to the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Also according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, veteran receivers like Wayne are not receiving much attention in the free agent market so he could come cheap. The Broncos can use the fact that he had such an excellent relationship with Manning as a bargaining tool as well as the opportunity to play for a contender. There is always the possibility that the 36 year old receiver decides to retire but he still has a bit left in the tank and can be a contributor.

Some may argue that signing Reggie Wayne would stunt the growth of Cody Latimer or prevent the Denver Broncos from drafting and developing another young receiver. While he may take away playing time from Latimer, the Broncos are in the win-now mode as Peyton Manning’s career is soon coming to an end.

John Elway and the Broncos front office knows that the window is closing quickly and there is only so much football that Manning can squeeze out of his surgically repaired body. Signing Reggie Wayne would give Manning another trusted target that he can rely on and will not saddle him with another young receiver that he must tutor along the way.

Next: Will Denver Re-Sign Will Montgomery?

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