PatsBoy12

As many predicted, it looks as though there will be no deal by the deadline . . .

Report: Welker, Pats won't have agreement by deadline

Of course this is speculation still, but . . .

zipster9

Sounds like this is probably Welker's last year as a Patriot. Welker wants about 9-9.5m/yr for 3yrs. Guaranteed.

Frankly, Welker is not worth that much. He is NO CalvinJohnson or AndreJohnson. Welker is a slot receiver.

Funny, lots of Patriots leave expecting exactly same production with new teams, dont pan out. Only a very few ex-Patriots end up doing ok later on
(aka: Seymour).

Observer

Welker will do alright too. Plus he will make more money. Good for him.

naF staP

It works both ways. The Patriots have let people walk thinking they can find a good replacement and they don't. Who can the Patriots plug in to play the slot spot as effective as Welker? There is nobody on the team right now that can. Asking Brady to break in a new guy, to have the same chemistry with someone new at the tail end of his career would be crazy. It takes a couple of seasons to bring in a new guy and get on the same page as Brady and the offense....and time is running out. The slot position is a very big role for Brady and the offense. Not going to find someone who can come in and play it like Welker has. In the end it will be one of those bad decisions to let Welker walk, it will end up kicking the Patriots in the butt.

Welker proved his worth, played out his team friendly, under paid contract of 5 years, 18 million. Last season was his time to prove he deserves a good contract and he proved that. He showed no signs of slowing down, he had a remarkable season, it's time to pay the man. He is key to this offense.

MrTibbs

This is Welkers last year as a Patriot. This will be his "Good-Bye" campaign.

javajunky

Welker's market value wont be as big as he believes next year. I say there is a good chance he stays a Patriot once he tests it.

Calciumee

Weren't the Saints and Brees no where near being done?

Could this be why Ebert was drafted? And maybe Edelman will get his chance!

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Deus Irae

Weak sauce, particularly since 9-9.5 isn't what the Calvin is getting.

__________________
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ctpatsfan77

FWIW:

Branch: 40 = 4.47, 3-cone = 6.71, shuttle = 3.76
Welkah: 40 = 4.61, 3-cone = 7.09, shuttle = 4.09
Ebert: 40 = 4.38, 3-cone = 6.70, shuttle = 4.15

I wouldn't count out the possibility of Ebert taking over for Branch this year if he can develop chemistry with TFB.

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"Momentum was quickly snatched away by New England, who once again proved that any Patriot, at any moment, can make a play." —Inside the NFL, Packers v. Patriots

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patfanken

Of course all this speculation is a full year away, but I'd love to see what Edelman can do getting regular snaps in the slot position, even if its only to end the all the smack between the pro and anti Edelman factions once and for all.

As to other speculation, I'd love to know exactly what Welker is demanding at this point. What I fail to understand is why players don't think about the positive effect of retiring as a Patriot. The 1-2MM/yr that he wouldn't get now if he signs for the Pats want would be more than made up over the next decade or two in "good will" deals and jobs he could have long after he retires. This is especially true given that that regardless of what deal he signs, there wouldn't be an iota of a drop in his lifestyle if he signed what the Pats are offering compared to what he wants....whatever that is.

But that's just me. I'm comfortable with Welker playing this season under the franchise tag. I also think that there is at least a 50-50 chance that he'll be back next year. Quite frankly I just don't see a huge market for a small 32 year old slot receiver with all the wear and tear on him at least not at the 8-10MM/yr level. Though there would be a lot of interest at the 5-6MM/yr level, but he can get that HERE, and have Brady as well

We shall see.