Patriots Sign Former Colts Wide Receiver Reggie Wayne, Release Fullback Eric Kettani

The New England Patriots have made a couple of roster moves to help strengthen their team.

First, per ESPN's Mike Reiss, the Patriots released fullback Eric Kettani.

In a corresponding move, New England has signed former Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne.

Reggie Wayne and New England Patriots have reached agreement on a one-year deal, league source told ESPN.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 24, 2015

The Patriots have long been connected to Wayne, going back to a 2012 attempt to sign the receiver away from the Colts, and to an expression of additional interest this past July.

Wayne is on his last legs, hence the one-year deal, and spent 2014 regaining his football legs after tearing his ACL in 2013. While he no longer has great speed, he still has the savvy of a terrific route runner and could settle into the team's 3rd receiver role, helping to move the sticks on third down.

New England has an immediate need due to the injuries at the position, with Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell, and Aaron Dobso nicked up, Brian Tyms possibly done for the season, and Brandon Gibson possibly injured for an extended period of time.

Wayne has spent his entire career with the Colts after being selected in the first round of 2001. He has registered 1,070 receptions (7th most all time) and 14,345 yards (8th most all time).

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has often gushed about Wayne, but in a respectful way and not a "oh, he's a third stringer, I'll build him up to be an All Pro."

"He's still really good at everything," Belichick said in a press conference prior to last season's game. "[He's] obviously a real smart and experienced guy; knows how to set up routes, make all of his routes look the same, does a great job of releasing and then at the top of his routes being able to create separation at just the right time when the quarterback is ready to throw."

Wayne joins Chad Ochocinco and Torry Holt as former greats on their final legs in New England. Let's hope for better success with Reggie.