as productive as he's been, I simply don't see giving him a contract as one of the better #1 WR's in the league. I think the pats would rather see him as a 85-90 catch guy moving forward. at 30, I don't believe his body can withstand 2-3 more seasons like the one he just had. with both lloyd and gaffney here, I don't think welker will see much more than that anyway.
based on that, the value for the pats is to have him play out this year under the tag. they have plenty of cap space, so they don't need to bring his number down.
just as with other players, the pats will go in another direction rather than break the bank for a non-franchise guy. and welker can afford to be patient. if he has another good year, he will get the deal he would have gotten this year, plus he will have gotten the 2012 tag $$....he jet needs to hope he doesn't get hurt