I posted the quote below on December 23rd in a thread titled, "An Open Letter to Pats Management Regarding Wes Welker's Contract Situation." It pisses me off that the Pats did exactly what I didn't want them to do, and exactly what I was afraid they would do. I am hopeful that this will all turn out all right because Welker doesn't seem to be panicking or getting angry, but this is the part of the NFL I really don't like.
From Dec. 23rd:
"There has been stuff in the newspaper and speculation on the radio for the last couple of days regarding Wes Welker and his contract situation, or more specifically, the lack thereof. Who knows what is going on behind the scenes, but this is a request from one fan that the team deal fairly and realistically with Wes, and make sure that he remains a Patriot for his next contract. Not because he "deserves it" whether he is an aging WR or not (and believe me, he does deserve it), but because the Pats and Tom Brady really need him.
I ask those in charge to remember the disaster that was 2006 (and maybe 2005? Can't remember, LOL) when both of our starting WRs were let go over $$ (yes, I know Branch shot his way out of town, but it was over $$) and we wasted a year of Tom Brady in his prime and a good D on the likes of Reche Caldwell. I ask those in charge to remember who came in here in 2007 and from day 1 lit up the field (along with Moss). I ask those in charge to remember that when Wes went down with a knee injury in 2009 at the end of the season we were DONE. I ask those in charge how we were able to let Randy Moss go and not miss a beat because we had another great receiver who doesn't complain and give "me first" press conferences.
Welker is uniquely skilled to excel in our offense, and our offense is uniquely formed to take advantage of his skills. To let him go would be another "back to the drawing board" moment when I don't think No. 12 has too many of those moments left, if any. I'm not saying break the bank for Welker, but I beg of you, don't let this turn into a hold-out/franchise tag/squeeze every dime we can/if he leaves "oh well" contract situation. That would really hurt the team and frankly, sour me in a big way.
I would argue very strongly that Welker has been and is worth more to this team than Mayo. He got his, now give some love to Welker, and don't tell me it's just business.
Happy Holidays to all."