They SHOULD be scaling back Welker's role....and that would be a good thing. Good for the Pats AND good for Welker. Do you think if Hernandez, Gronk, and Edelman don't miss a combined 20 games that Welker's numbers would be as high as they were.
Don't you think that, assuming the Pats and Welker come to an agreement, that as he gets older that his workload gets smaller as well. It would be virtually impossible for him to equal his current numbers with a healthy Gronk, Hernandez, and hopefully additional future outside WR threats, and RB's become reliable targets and rushing threats going forward.
If next season, Welker wound up with 80 catches and 900 yds. That would more likely be a product of a maturing and more diverse Pats offense than a decline in Welker's skill,
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With all the injuries the Pats have had Welker has certainly been the most critically important receiver the Pats have, this year. He's the "go to guy, and probably will be throughout the playoffs. But maybe next year, he won't be.