Reggie Wayne was phenomenal in 2012 and instrumental in the development in quarterback Andrew Luck. Sure, the Indianapolis Colts were considered lucky to land another franchise quarterback, but to keep a veteran go-to receiver along side him curved his development.
In the AFC Wild Card game Wayne saw a game-high 18 targets. It was the third 100-yard playoff game of Wayne’s career where he also moved past Hines Ward into second place in receptions during the playoffs.
The level of comfort that he provided Andrew Luck is obvious as he was targeted a career-high 194 times in 2012. His 1,355 yards receiving matched his last year with Peyton Manning and demonstrated he hasn’t lost a step even after 12 years in the league.
Under Manning, Wayne lined up split wide left, but in Bruce Arians’ scheme he was everywhere giving him more favorable match ups. One must wonder if that trend will continue now that Arians has left the Colts.
While Reggie should be able to provide the same comfort again in 2013, one has to wonder how much the future Hall of Fame receiver has left in the tank.
After not hearing for the Colts for an extended period of time after the season Wayne was signed to a three-year deal last season. The shocking deal was worth a max of $17.5 million. Many thought he was being overpaid, but that notion has quickly gone down the drain.
How much does Reggie have left? No one knows for sure, but as long as he continues to put up these numbers they might start working on his next contract.
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