Reggie Wayne, Patriots 'mutually agreed' to part ways

Reggie Wayne spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.His stay with the rival New England Patriots will last less than two weeks.

Wayne and the Patriots "mutually agreed" to part ways, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Saturday.

Wayne previously had requested his release from the Patriots, a person with knowledge of the request confirmed to Paste BN Sports on Saturday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Patriots had not announced the move.

"Obviously, Reggie's time here was brief but it only confirmed what I already thought - he is a true professional who represents every positive attirbute a player should emulate," Belichick said. "Our parting was mutually agreed upon and I am personally grateful to have worked with one of the great NFL players of the past two decades."

The Patriots finalized a deal with Wayne, 36, on Aug. 25 that included a $450,000 signing bonus. If the Patriots didn’t inform Wayne before his request that they intended to release him, they presumably will want that money back.

For now, it appears the defending Super Bowl champions will be back in the market for receiver help just days before the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brandon LaFell was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, leaving New England with just four healthy receivers.