2012 NFL Free Agents: Reggie Wayne Will Regret Not Following Peyton Manning

Reggie Wayne could have saddled up next to Peyton Manning in a new city and gone for one last Super Bowl ring.

Instead, he chose the comfort and dollars that Indianapolis had to offer him. And while I understand his decision, I think he'll regret not chasing one last title with Manning.

ProFootballTalk.com tweeted the terms of the deal, and the money certainly was right for Wayne:

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Per league source, WR Reggie Wayne gets three-year, $17.5 million deal to stay in Indy. $7.5 million guaranteed, not sure if "fully."

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 14, 2012"

And I understand wanting to return to the city that you've played your entire career with—there is something unsettling, I would imagine, about leaving a franchise you've spent so much time with, like Manning is facing now.

But what exactly is Wayne returning to? Along with Manning, the Colts cut tight end Dallas Clark, running back Joseph Addai, linebacker Gary Brackett and safety Melvin Bullitt.

Plus, the team is taking a long, hard look at defensive end Cory Redding, because they might release another stalwart, Dwight Freeney. From Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star:

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Redding had 43 tackles and 41/2 sacks in 2011, and he could serve as a crucial piece with [Chuck] Pagano intent on installing a hybrid 3-4 defense.

He would be particularly useful if the Colts get rid of seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney, as expected.

"

So welcome back, Reggie—I hope you enjoy rebuilding. I hope the comfort and money will make the 5-11 seasons easier to bear. I hope you don't find yourself watching Peyton Manning highlights on SportsCenter, wondering to yourself if you should have taken one last shot at Super Bowl glory with Manning.

Because as good as Andrew Luck is, the two of you won't be bringing a Super Bowl to Indianapolis anytime soon. Not with this roster.

I hope you're okay with that.

Hit me up on Twitter—all of my tweets are Cinderella stories.