Former Colts president Bill Polian believes free agent Reggie Wayne could end up with the Jets if he doesn't opt for a package deal with Peyton Manning. The Jets, says Polian, have speed to spare "but not enough people who can really get open and make plays in clutch situations." Polian calls Wayne a "brilliant football mind," who has outstanding hands and "understands the games, the nuances of coverage, how to get open, and the people he's playing against." Turning 34 in November, Wayne could struggle to land big money in a crowded receiver market.

ESPN AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley, a former Ravens beat writer, argues that Baltimore "needs" to pursue free agent Reggie Wayne next month. Joe Flacco desperately needs a go-to receiver in critical situations because Anquan Boldin no longer separates from corners and Torrey Smith's route tree is limited. Wayne will come more cheaply than younger free agents, though it's worth wondering if he's going to continue to get open at will in his age-34 season.

According to the National Football Post, there is "some talk" that free agent Reggie Wayne and Peyton Manning could go to a new team as a "package deal." It's not a far-fetched scenario provided Manning is released as expected, but Wayne's contract demands could be a stumbling block. Wayne was displeased he was forced to play under a one-year contract in 2011, and hinted in November he planned to seek top dollar on the open market. Wayne also needs Manning more than Manning needs Wayne. It's far from a guarantee their priorities will line up.

Free agent Reggie Wayne confirmed Friday that he's had no contact with the Colts since the season ended. He shouldn't be waiting by the phone, either. "My phone hasn't rung yet," said Wayne, 33. "It's only fair I worry about number 87 first. When I'm signed, then I can weigh in more." Wayne has had a nice, long career, but we get the feeling that he severely overvalues himself after a season in which he didn't always play hard and it showed up on tape. The Colts will not want him back.

The Indianapolis Star puts free agent Reggie Wayne's chances of re-signing with the Colts at "less than 50-50." Even without Peyton Manning's $28 million bonus, the Colts have salary cap issues in their rebuilding process. Dwight Freeney, for instance, will count more than $19 million against the cap in the final year of his contract. Asked late in the season if he might give the Colts a "blue light special," Wayne replied, "I don't shop at Kmart." Expect him to wear a different uniform in 2012.

Appearing on SportsCenter Wednesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter predicted that Peyton Manning (neck surgeries) will play football in 2012. Schefter made it clear that he doesn't expect it to be with the Colts, but insisted Manning's neck is "fine" and that it's "more likely he does plan that he doesn't play, at this point." Schefter expects Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay to meet the week after Super Bowl XLVI. At that point, the sides will determine that parting ways is in the best interest of both.

Impending free agent Reggie Wayne believes he could fit into the rebuilding Colts' 2012 plans. "Even if you're rebuilding, you still are going to need some of the old heads around," Wayne said. "Do I think I can play on this team? I do." In addition to seeing his production slip dramatically in the absence of Peyton Manning, Wayne appeared to phone it in at times during 2011. The smart money is on Wayne playing elsewhere in 2012.

Colts president Bill Polian made it clear that the team needs an "infusion of young, big-play talent" at virtually every position on the roster. It's a pretty strong admission that the Polians need to rebuild. Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Robert Mathis, and Jeff Saturday are among the key free agents. Joseph Addai, Dallas Clark, LB Gary Brackett, and SS Melvin Bullitt are candidates to be released, though that leaves the Colts with more than $15 million in "dead money" against the cap. Dwight Freeney will have to be restructured as well, as he counts $19 million against the 2012 salary cap.

Reggie Wayne hauled in eight passes for 106 yards and a touchdown to lead the Colts to a 19-16 last-minute victory over the Texans in Week 16. Wayne's lack of separation speed was evident early on, but he came up huge on the final drive. Wayne set up his own game-winning 1-yard touchdown with an excellent route and leaping grab over Kareem Jackson despite tight coverage. The score could down as Wayne's final one in Indianapolis, though the Colts are no longer a lock for the No. 1 overall pick with an eminently winnable game at Jacksonville in the season finale.

Reggie Wayne has acknowledged that Thursday's tilt with the Texans could be his final home game as a Colt. "I am well aware of that and I've come to the conclusion that in every athlete's career they are going to be faced with this decision at some point in time, whether it is a long career or a short career," Wayne said in comments distributed by the Colts. An impending free agent, Wayne has seen his numbers fall off dramatically in the absence of Peyton Manning, and appeared disinterested in the process. The 11-year veteran will most likely be playing elsewhere in 2012.