NFL Trade Rumors: Why Colts Would Be Moronic to Trade Reggie Wayne

The Indianapolis Colts are currently 0-6 and have almost no hope of turning their horrendous season around. With that in mind, some have speculated that they could start moving players in an attempt to save money and focus on next season. Despite the logic in that line of thinking, Indianapolis would be stupid to trade wide receiver Reggie Wayne. 

Wayne will be a free agent this offseason and he will turn 33 in November. His best days may be behind him and there is no guarantee he will be a member of the Colts next season. Still, does anyone think injured quarterback Peyton Manning would take kindly to seeing his favorite target traded away? 

Wayne is likely not a candidate for the team's franchise tag because Manning's new deal is eating up a huge chunk of the Colts salary cap. Still, if the Colts make a reasonable offer to him, I'm almost certain Wayne would re-sign with the team. He has played his entire 11-year career in Indianapolis, and the Miami product has found a home there. 

Even if Wayne does leave via free agency, the Colts would likely receive a third-round compensatory draft selection. While that certainly isn't equal value for a Pro Bowl receiver, it might be better than they can do in a trade.

Over the past four seasons Wayne has been durable and prolific, averaging 99.3 catches, 1,318.5 yards and eight touchdowns per season. He has made the Pro Bowl in each of the past five seasons and would have likely been headed there again this year if Manning was under center in Indianapolis.

I think Wayne has some good years left in him, and even with the emergence of Pierre Garcon, he can be an important piece of the Colts' puzzle for years to come. Trading him away would net a mid-round draft pick at best because of his contract situation, while keeping him would allow Indianapolis to negotiate a new deal with him.

There is no way the Colts should move Wayne at this point.