FOXBORO -- Patriots players who have shared a locker room with Tom Brady are already accustomed to playing alongside a surefire Hall of Famer. But it never hurts to add another teammate who may one day see his bust enshrined in Canton, Ohio.
The Patriots acquisition of veteran receiver Reggie Wayne was the buzz of the team's locker room on Monday. Here's what a handful of Wayne's new teammates had to say in reaction to the news that he would be joining them.
Matthew Slater, WR/ST: "Oh man, it's a real honor to play with guys like that that have had the types of careers that Reggie's had. I think his resume speaks for itself, what he's been able to accomplish in this league. He's really set himself apart from the majority of players that have ever played in this league. I think he's top-10 in catches and yards so it'll be a blast to have him here. I think our guys will be able to learn a lot from him. He's got a lot of experience, played in a lot of big games, so we're excited to have him here.
"I think he's got a lot of good football left in him. I think he's shown that. In his 14th year last year, he had some good production so we're excited to have him here. Like I said, I think the biggest thing will be that this is a good opportunity for our team to learn from a veteran player who's really done everything there is to do in this league. It's going to be good to have him around."
Danny Amendola, WR: "He's a good player. He's played at a high level for a long time, played on some really good football teams, and we're excited to have him."
Malcolm Butler, CB: "I look forward to working with him. Not in a million years I thought I'd be playing against a guy that I've been watching for a long time. But I'm glad to have him. Time to get to work.
"His knowledge of the game [stood out on film last season]. Knowing where to be, knowing where to line up, knowing how to release on the cornerback. All of the savvy things that veteran receivers know.
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"Most definitely [looking forward to having Wayne challenge corners in practice]. I'm looking forward to everyone making me a better cornerback. Working hard against anybody. Reggie Wayne, Danny Amendola, anybody. Just looking to get better any way I can."
Tarell Brown, CB: "It's been a few years since I played against Reggie, but he's always been a great competitor. He's been doing it for a number of years. You can see why he's so successful by the work he puts in, not only on the field but off the field. I think he'll bring a lot of leadership and a lot of playmaking ability to this team.
"I just think anytime you have a resume like that, it speaks for itself. You're obviously doing something right. A great competitor. Obviously he's doing the right things with his body as far as longevity. I think he'll bring a lot of leadership to this team, play-making ability, and also just helping the younger receivers with route-running, concepts, any way he can bring some type of leadership, I think it's important."
Tavon Wilson, S: "Definitely going up against a guy like that who brings a lot of different versatility and how productive he was as long as he's been in this league . . . He's going to be able to help out the defense in practice. I'm looking forward to having him on our team."