Former Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne signs with Patriots

One of the greatest players in Indianapolis Colts history will be playing for the team's biggest rival in 2015.  Former Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots today.

Wayne was in New England yesterday to take a physical, and the move makes sense for both sides.  Bill Belichick is a big fan of Wayne, and back in 2012 the Patriots attempted to sign the receiver away from the Colts.  The Patriots could use a veteran possession receiver like Wayne, and he should be a good fit in the offense.  For Wayne, he gets to play with one of the league's best quarterbacks in Tom Brady for a team that will be contending for a Super Bowl.  He has said that he will play one more year and wanted to play for a contender, and the Patriots are indeed just that.  For both sides, this seems like a good fit.

Of course, this news will anger many Colts fans, as now Wayne will be playing for the Patriots.  But let's keep in mind that it was actually the Colts who decided to move on from Wayne, not the other way around.  It'd be one thing if Reggie just decided to leave the Colts for the Patriots, but he actually really wanted to return, but the Colts said no.  So it's really hard to blame him for signing with the Patriots after all of that happened.  It will be super weird to see Reggie in a Patriots uniform, but it's hard to get mad at him for it.

It also doesn't negate everything the receiver accomplished in Indy, as he'll still be in the Ring of Honor and will still go down as one of the franchise's all-time greats.  During his time with the Colts, Wayne appeared in 211 games and was a part of 143 wins, both of which are the most in franchise history.  He compiled 1,070 receptions for 14,345 yards and 80 touchdowns, including 43 100-yard receiving game.  He is eighth in NFL history in receiving yards and seventh in receptions, and he is a six-time Pro Bowler (and a one-time first-team All-Pro).

What this move does do, however?  Make the Patriots' week six Sunday Night Football game at Indianapolis even bigger.  Not only will that be a rematch of last year's AFC Championship game between rivals and not only might it be Tom Brady's return to the field, it also will be Reggie Wayne's return to Indianapolis.