Report: Welker won't be franchised

[Spergon Wynn]

I think we knew this already but . . .

A source with intimate knowledge of the team's thinking told Ron Borges of the Boston Herald that the Patriots "are simply not going to put an $11.4 million franchise tag" on the 31-year-old wide receiver.

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

The source is Borges so take that as you will.

 

[LuthierJr]

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.

 

[The_Riddler]

Hello Tavon Austin

 

[supafly]

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.

 

[patsfaninpa]

Hello Tavon Austin

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.

 

[mgteich]

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.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

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.

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...

 

[Brady2Moss]

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.

I think he's the one that dropped the ball :bricks: :bricks: multiple times

 

[supafly]

Hopefully he doesn't go to denver...

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.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

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.

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

 

[supafly]

I think he's the one that dropped the ball :bricks: :bricks: multiple times

In all seriousness, offering a 2/16 contract to a guy who has outproduced players like C.Johnson and L.Fitzgerald who are making 125-140 million is a bit absurd.

I still believe that Welker would stay here for less than any other team, but that he wants something respectably "fair."

2/16 isn't even anything towards fair. I still wonder what would have happened if they would have kept the aav at 8, but just added another year or two? I think it would have gotten done myself, especially last year. I think Welker wanted something more long term, and I wonder if 3/24 or 4/32 would have been enough. I think it would have, but those 2 are far apart from 2/16.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

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

Denver,like New England has glaring holes in the secondary and that includes an aging Champ Bailey.

The Broncos might go after Talib if he shops the market is more of my concern

 

[Brady2Moss]

In all seriousness, offering a 2/16 contract to a guy who has outproduced players like C.Johnson and L.Fitzgerald who are making 125-140 million is a bit absurd.

I still believe that Welker would stay here for less than any other team, but that he wants something respectably "fair."

2/16 isn't even anything towards fair. I still wonder what would have happened if they would have kept the aav at 8, but just added another year or two? I think it would have gotten done myself, especially last year. I think Welker wanted something more long term, and I wonder if 3/24 or 4/32 would have been enough. I think it would have, but those 2 are far apart from 2/16.

Joking aside I think 3/24 would have been perfect maybe even 3/27 we should've gotten it done.

He's going to get 4/40 from someone now

 

[scout]

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.

I thought that was a BB policy, not to franchise a player twice.

 

[Helmet2Helmet]

Awesome news. Hopefully he won't be resigned either.

 

[Brady2Moss]

Awesome news. Hopefully he won't be resigned either.

This is moronic if he can be signed for a reasonable deal you take him back with open arms.

And I'm one of the biggest proponents of using the money that would be used to pay Welker to be used for getting an outside guy, I'd take him in a heart beat for 8 million a year it just probably won't happen.

 

[Helmet2Helmet]

In all seriousness, offering a 2/16 contract to a guy who has outproduced players like C.Johnson and L.Fitzgerald who are making 125-140 million is a bit absurd.

Of course he out produces Fitzgerald, the dude is playing with scrubs like Kolb, Skelton, Lindley, etc.. And I hope to god you're talking about a different C. Johnson. I refuse to believe you think Welker brings a similar game to the field as Megatron.

 

[Patriot Missile]

Hello Tavon Austin

It's always possible. Watched a few West Virginia games and this kid seemed explosive. Very similiar numbers to Welkers college days. Great production and will probably light it up pretty good at the combine. Personally I think he could be a deep threat in his own right but it will be a learning curve to beat press coverage early. I think he succeeds as a good pick and fit.

Still want a deep threat though. Need to be able to shift gears when someone figures it out. Need to be able to run more than just a 2 TE 2 WR offense. Take into account injuries and have other formations to fall back on that you still do well.

 

[RayClay]

In all seriousness, offering a 2/16 contract to a guy who has outproduced players like C.Johnson and L.Fitzgerald who are making 125-140 million is a bit absurd.

I still believe that Welker would stay here for less than any other team, but that he wants something respectably "fair."

2/16 isn't even anything towards fair. I still wonder what would have happened if they would have kept the aav at 8, but just added another year or two? I think it would have gotten done myself, especially last year. I think Welker wanted something more long term, and I wonder if 3/24 or 4/32 would have been enough. I think it would have, but those 2 are far apart from 2/16.

I love Wes, but do you really think he poses the same type of threat as those receivers? Danny Woodhead might have better stats than Earl Campbell one year, but i don't think that would mean he is a "better" runningback or substitute. Welker is a short slot receiver who is the best at what he does, but a direct comparison with those players is pointless.

 

[patsinthesnow]

Falcons sign Welker and White, Jones, and Welker are introduced 2010 heat style.