New England Patriots roster news: Reggie Wayne release was a mutual decision
Veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne who just signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots late last month requested a release from the team and it was granted.
Wayne became a free agent early in the offseason after the Indianapolis Colts announced March that they will not be re-signing him.
The Colts selected Wayne 30th overall in the 2001 National Football League (NFL) Draft and he played all 14 seasons of his professional career with the team.
On Aug. 24, Wayne signed a one-year pact with the Patriots worth $2.8 million with a $450,000 signing bonus but he was released last Saturday.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that a source close to Wayne said the Patriots obliged when he asked to be released.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said in a statement posted on the team's official Twitter account, "Obviously, Reggie's time here was brief, but it only confirmed what I already thought — he is a true professional who represents every positive attribute a player should emulate."
The statement also read, "Our parting was mutually agreed upon and I am personally grateful to have worked with one of the great NFL players of the past two decades."
After signing with the Pats, Wayne seemed excited to play and even said he would let his work speak for itself and added that naysayers should watch.
The 36-year-old played two games for the Patriots in the 2015 preseason and had two receptions for 24 yards.
As New England's preseason closed, Wayne said, according to ESPN, that he was "catching on" and when asked regarding his readiness for the team's season opener he answered, "I don't have a choice. It's going to be here regardless if I'm ready or not."
Wayne also expressed support to the Patriots' Tom Brady who just got his four-game suspension void and said he was excited that the star quarterback will be able to play.
But after all that, Wayne again has no team; but in ESPN's report, a source said the six-time Pro Bowler and one-time Super Bowl winner will be signing to a new team in the "right situation."
