2012 NFL Free Agents: Reggie Wayne Pushing for Peyton Manning Reunion in Miami

Now that he's no longer officially a Colt, let the bidding war on Peyton Manning begin. This time, Manning is being wooed by a familiar face, Reggie Wayne. 

Previously, Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel reported that Wayne is "open to making Miami his in-season home, signing with the Miami Dolphins."

Now, Kelly is reporting that Wayne is saying that Wayne would be interested in working together with Manning again in Miami. 

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“I can see it, and I’m definitely not opposed to it,” Wayne said about teaming up with Manning in Miami. “He’s a great worker. I consider myself a great worker, and when you put great workers together good things happen. Me being in his trail to Miami, I would definitely love it! I’m totally available. My phone is working…I’m ready for anything that comes! I definitely see that in the mix.”

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What it Means

This is something to keep a close eye on through the free-agency process. Wayne and Manning are both free agents and obviously have a great deal of familiarity with each other, having been teammates in Indianapolis since Wayne's rookie year of 2001. 

Wayne is a natural fit in Miami, as he went to college at the University of Miami and still lives in the area during the offseason. But wherever Wayne goes would be a very nice destination for Manning, as familiarity is not a bad thing in this business. 

What's Next?

If the Dolphins are going to pursue both Wayne and Manning, Kelly did detail one issue.

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Considering the Dolphins have approximately $15 million in cap space to work with – without restructuring contacts –  it’s possible the Dolphins will need to get creative to create salary cap space for Manning and Wayne.

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That's worth noting, but it's not a major concern. With $15 million to spare right now, they wouldn't have to clear out nearly as much as some other teams would. 

Obviously, neither Wayne or Manning are signed anywhere, so all of this is speculation. It's also worth nothing that Peter King of Sports Illustrated had a similar idea in mind for the Seahawks. 

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Seattle shouldn't be favored in Manning derby at all. But I believe 'Hawks are all-in on Manning-Wayne package deal--and will pay for it.

— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) March 7, 2012"

We'll have to wait and see where either wants to go. Obviously, that is important for any potential team, as a player has to want to go there. 

But the fact that Wayne is suggesting a Miami reunion and King is doing the same in Seattle is certainly a sign that teams are going to be at least thinking about bringing in both Colts' greats. 

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