Tuesday's New England Patriots Links 5/15

Here are this morning's top stories:

BOSTON HERALD:

Wes Welker to Play - Karen Guregian
Guregian highlights an interview yesterday by Wes Welker with WEEI where the receiver told the radio station, "there are 9.5 millions why I wouldn't miss any regular season games." Guregian also looks at his contract situation, and notes that that statement hurts his leverage in the ongoing negotiations.

Welker on minicamp: 'I'd really like to be there' - Matt Pepin
Pepin has an article on Welker, who after saying last month that he might skip the team's minicamp this month, Welker said on Monday that there's still a chance he'll attend.

ESPN BOSTON

Some Freaky Additions for Patriots - Field Yates
Yates highlights a piece from CBSSports.com's Bruce Feldman, who publishes his annual college football "Freak list" and it previously included Dont'a Hightower, Nate Solder, and Ryan Mallet.

Spikes eyed as breakout performer - Mike Reiss
Reiss takes a look at Brandon Spikes after FoxSports.com's Alex Marvez picked him as the one player who could be primed for a breakout season.

Can Brady really play until 45? - Field Yates
Yates has an article on Tom Brady after Welker declared on Monday that he has no doubt he could see the veteran QB playing another 10 years. Yates notes that should Brady play until he's 45, that would make him the oldest starting QB in NFL history surpassing three big names who started at age 44.

Welker: Feels like '07 with receivers - Mike Reiss
Reiss has an article on the fact that the Patriots have one of the deepest wide receiver groups in football, and Welker thinks it's great.

NESN

Sources: Wes Welker, Patriots Still Not Close on Contract Extension, July 15 Is Key Deadline for Negotiations - Jeff Howe
Howe has an entry on the Welker negotiations, which at this point don't have the veteran receiver close to a new deal.

Rob Gronkowski, Rob Ninkovich to Co-Host Joe Andruzzi and Friends Golf Tournament - Ricky Doyle
For those interested, Gronk and Ninkovich will be co-hosting the event with Joe Andruzzi at Granite Links in Quincy on June 18. There's more information in this entry.

WEEI

Markell Carter Welcomes the Idea of Joining Patriots' Rookies to Get Extra Work - Christopher Price
Price has a good article on Markell Carter, and writes that last year's practice squad player was more than happy to be out working with the rookies this past weekend.

CSNNE.COM

Pats Leverage on Welker is his love for game - Tom E. Curran
Curran has a great article on Welker and feels that in the end the fact the receiver is "addicted to football" will be the reason why he's out on the field next season.

Welker excited for Patriots' receiver competition - Phil Perry
Perry looks at New England's deep receiving core, and has comments from Welker during yesterday's interview where he said he's looking forward to seeing the competition at the wide receiver spot in the coming months at Training Camp.

Welker: Brady's football passion 'like a sickness' - Tom E. Curran
Curran has an entry with quotes from Welker, who said that, "it's almost like an illness he has" when referring to Tom Brady's love of the game.

ENTERPRISE NEWS

Pats Welker on upcoming season: I'll be there - Glen Farley
Farley also highlights yesterday's Welker interview where the receiver said while he was unsure of whether or not he'll attend any of the camps, when the regular season arrives, he'll be there.

WORCESTER TELEGRAM:

Patriots rookie has a catchy number - Rich Garven
Garven takes a look at Jeremy Ebert, who will be wearing #80 this season which for any fans who have followed the team for a while know was most recently Troy Brown's old number.