A little early, but: should the Patriots try to re-sign Wes Welker? - Page 39 - New England Patriots Forums

robertweathers · 01-06-2013, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyJohnson

Harrison had his 4th highest reception total at age 34. I will take that from Welker in 2015 and be very happy.

Of course!

***AndyJohnson*** · 01-06-2013, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goheels22002

You get it. I was comparing loading up the cap with too few players and sacrificing quality and depth elsewhere.

I really don't think the cap is the biggest detriment to depth.
If you look, the Patriots (who whether they succeed or not are clearly the leader in the NFL of the philosophy that all 53 are critical, of role players, and versatility) they don't spend a ton more on depth than anyone else. There isn't a tremendous cap difference.
I think the difference is in the philopsophy or what a winning team is comprised of.
The Jets have made it very clear that they believe a handful of star players is the way to build your team and the biggest positives determine winning rather than the smallest negatives.
BB believes, IMO, that while the Bradys and Wilforks of the world are important, the lack of weaknesses is more important.

The difference comes, IMO, by valuing players such as Woodhead, Slater, Ebner, Edleman to name a few who are excellent at a role, but are not 'future starters'. Most teams use the bottom half of their roster for the best backup that comes closest to the skills of their starter they can find, while the Patriots look for guys to fill a role that will help win games now.

It really doesn't take a cap philosophy to do that, but a different outlook on how to build a winning team.
It prevades through the organization which is why the Jets think telling the media they are great is important, the Ravens do attention whoring dances on their way on the field, Indy hung 'AFCCG participant' banners and the Patriots worry about one thing, and every decision is based on what is the best way to answer this question that will help us win.

***AndyJohnson*** · 01-06-2013, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertweathers

Of course!

But you just said Harrison is the reason to not sign Welker.

***AndyJohnson*** · 01-06-2013, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertweathers

I don't think either one of us know what Talib is truly asking for at this point. I also assume he doesn't either as the team, the market and his worth have not been determined yet.

Well, we can be sure he isn't saying don't overpay me and lets make it win-win even if someone else will give me more.

***AndyJohnson*** · 01-06-2013, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertweathers

No. It's the cap hit in 2013, 2014 and 2015 that concerns me and the bonus that they need to come up with to pay RFA and FAs in 2013.

For what?
You want to save money so you can revamp the team you just made worse by getting rid of one its most vital players?
That is crazy. There are 53 spots on the roster, getting cheap on the key ones is not prudent.

robertweathers · 01-06-2013, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyJohnson

But you just said Harrison is the reason to not sign Welker.

Not what I meant as Deus brought up WWs track record and i demonstated, for one reason or another, most of these players did not have 100+ catch seasons after 32 years old. I would take the year of course. That doesn't mean I would want to pay WW $10m a year + cap hit when the team as other major priorities.

You guys act like its a lock WW is catching 100 balls and netting 1300 yards at 33 years old and it's nothing of the sort.

aluminum seats · 01-06-2013, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertweathers

I thought the list and Marvin Harrison's career in particular as an example pretty much met the criteria. Sorry you feel differently.

I agree that your answer was detailed and responsive.

It's easy to get lost in the fog of numbers. I think it ultimately comes down to a simple question: how good is Wes Welker. And when all's said and done, I do think that maybe you and others--while acknowledging that Welker's a terrific player--are underestimating him. He has qualities, to me, that Rice had. His precision, his toughness, etc. And Rice was a key player all throughout his 30s.

There's a risk signing any player to multi-year deals, regardless of the age. I would feel confident paying Welker a bundle to stay. I don't think he'll disappoint.

aluminum seats · 01-06-2013, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertweathers

You guys act like its a lock WW is catching 100 balls and netting 1300 yards at 33 years old and it's nothing of the sort.

Maybe it'll be 92 catches and 1120 yards at 33, who knows?

robertweathers · 01-06-2013, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyJohnson

Well, we can be sure he isn't saying don't overpay me and lets make it win-win even if someone else will give me more.

I wish that were true

.

Lots needs to be sorted out. Obviously if some clown wants to pay Talib $30m upfront guaranteed without any behavioral stipualtions...well, good luck ot him

robertweathers · 01-06-2013, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyJohnson

For what?
You want to save money so you can revamp the team you just made worse by getting rid of one its most vital players?
That is crazy. There are 53 spots on the roster, getting cheap on the key ones is not prudent.

I never said, "lets go get cheap players" or suggested revamping the roster. This isn't the 1990 Cowboys we are talking about here. This is about ensuring that the Pats have a balanced team with the flexibility to maneuver.