 The market price for Wes Welker may have gone up after the Redskins gave Pierre Garcon a huge contract. (FILE:Icon/SMI) |
There has already been a flurry of free agent activity, but one deal has stood out that could potentially have a negative effect on negotiations with Wes Welker on a long-term contract extension.
Welker, who has already had the franchise tag placed on him by the Patriots, is set to earn $9.4 million as it stands right now heading into next season. However, by all accounts the two sides have seemed focused on making sure he's here for much longer than that.
The bad news is, the Redskins appear to have just driven the market up for free agent receivers.
According to published reports Washington gave free agent wideout Pierre Garcon a 5-year contract this afternoon, reportedly worth approximately $42.5 million. It also includes $21.5 in guaranteed money.
Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe pointed out on Twitter that the deal is bad news for the Patriots, and looking at the production you would have to agree.
Here's a comparison between the two receivers over the last two seasons:
2011 Pierre Garcon: 70 catches, 947 yards, 6 touchdowns
2011 Wes Welker: 122 catches, 1569 yards, 9 touchdowns
2010 Pierre Garcon: 67 catches, 784 yards, 6 touchdowns
2010 Wes Welker: 86 catches, 848 yards, 7 touchdowns
Garcon is a bit younger than Welker (he's just 25 years old, while Welker is 30 and will be 31 on May 1st) but it's not that difficult to see who the better receiver has been over the past couple of seasons.
Needless to say it will be interesting to see what type of an effect this has on Welker's new deal. But once again Dan Snyder has opened up his checkbook in a big way, and it's obviously worked out well for the former Colts receiver.
More News Headlines:
Patriots Notes 08-02: Maye, Brown Begin To Shine
By: Steve BalestrieriPatriots training camp: Drake Maye and A.J. Brown's chemistry builds, while Kayshon Boutte shines amid trade rumors. Mike Vrabel discusses practice.
MORSE: Notes From Patriots Training Camp Day 7
By: Mark MorsePatriots Training Camp Day 7 featured Drake Maye's INTs, Romeo Doubs' standout day, and several injuries. Christian Gonzalez's contract talks continue.
TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 8/1
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript of what New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had to say during his press conference on August 1, 2026:
MORSE: Notes From Patriots Training Camp Practice Day 6
By: Mark MorseAnalyzing Patriots Training Camp Day 6: Drake Maye's strong performance, Kayshon Boutte's emergence, and updates on key position battles and injuries.
TRANSCRIPT: Drake Maye Press Conference 7/31
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript of what New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had to say during his press conference with the media on Friday, July…