Report: Welker won't be franchised
 

I think we knew this already but . . .

Report: Patriots not planning to franchise Wes Welker - NFL.com

The source is Borges so take that as you will.

Re: Report: Welker won't be franchised
 

Expected, and I don't blame them. Still want him signed, but I've resigned myself to the reality it probably won't happen as he wants too much. Been awesome having you around Wes.

Re: Report: Welker won't be franchised
 

Hello Tavon Austin

Re: Report: Welker won't be franchised
 

They dropped the ball last year with their 2/16 offer in my opinion. That's when they really should have come to terms. It would have avoided the 10 million dollar hit last season, and they'd probably only have either 2-3 yrs left on the deal right now. It could even be looking like a steal at the moment, as he put up another huge season last year again.

My worry is that he's about 75-80% gone, maybe even more if Belichick has been preparing for this and planning on the change.

I just hope they have something else in mind, but whatever it is it's likely going to take at least 2 players to pull off, and even then we're still going to lose production and reliability.

If he isn't brought back then we should start to expect some of our own retained along with a potential higher end signing or a couple of middle end signings on defense for sure. I do not think that we should start talking about a big name WR though, I just don't see that happening with the names that are out there and the money they'd cost.

Re: Report: Welker won't be franchised
 

Why would we draft a smaller, slot receiver who will not be as good at that as Welker? Wouldn't a bigger and faster receiver be a better fit for our needs. AHern and Vereen can move the sticks in the short-passing game. Along with Gronk. If you have more speed outside, in theory it should open things up for them.

Re: Report: Welker won't be franchised
 

IMHO, passing on Welker would mean that we would keep Lloyd, re-sign Edelman (and probably Woodhead), draft a WR and sign the usual half dozen wider receivers in free agency.

Re: Report: Welker won't be franchised
 

They HAVE to keep lloyd and resign edleman..as well as get a few good guys in FA ( not many this year..most will fetch too much $$) and draft...welker is gone and it sucks but it is what it is. Hopefully he doesn't go to denver...

Re: Report: Welker won't be franchised
 

Stokely is still an absolute steal in Denver for his low cost, and he's coming off his best season since 2008, not to mention his rapport with Manning.

That would also take away from guys like Decker and D.Thomas who both put up almost 100 catches, and are still climbing for the future. I think they'll want to continue to have those 2 as their focal points, with Stokely and Tamme as the "other guys." (who can catch 45-50 passes)

I don't think he goes to Denver for that kind of money myself. I think that concern is overrated personally.

Re: Report: Welker won't be franchised
 

If denver wants to win now...and they have to with manning only having a few years left..they will make it happen if they want