Pats to sign Wes Welker to offer sheet (1 Viewer)

[Workhorse]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2786731

Interesting. Seems like a Pats type of player. Versatile. Nice slot option WR and will give you punt and kick returning. Even kicked a FG and an XP when Mare got hurt in a game in 2004.

Not sure he's worth a second round pick unless they get him for a reasonable contract. Wonder if the Dolphins will match.

BUSY offseason for the Pats so far.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

I like this move a lot, although I fully expect Miami to match the offer

within a week, unless it's a substantial bump from the original offer.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Troy Brown is really too old. Wes Welker would make a great slot WR on that team. His ego is controllable, can return punts...this is one of those deals where if it went through would have very little fanfare attached but is one of those signings that makes a major difference for the team and especially a SB contender like the Patriots.

I hope Welker gets to go...I hate to lose him as a Phinsfan but he deserves a chance to get a ring.

 

[Pat Patriot]

I hate giving up a 2nd round pick but I really like Welker.

 

[The Shizzle]

I hate giving up a 2nd round pick but I really like Welker.

He was a workhorse last year, but a 2nd is quite a bit??

 

[Carnifex]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2786731

Interesting. Seems like a Pats type of player. Versatile. Nice slot option WR and will give you punt and kick returning. Even kicked a FG and an XP when Mare got hurt in a game in 2004.

Not sure he's worth a second round pick unless they get him for a reasonable contract. Wonder if the Dolphins will match.

BUSY offseason for the Pats so far.

Depends on the poison pill...

 

[JohnnyU]

A 2nd seems like a lot.

just sa...., no, I won't be another one of those.

 

[Thumper]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2786731

Interesting. Seems like a Pats type of player. Versatile. Nice slot option WR and will give you punt and kick returning. Even kicked a FG and an XP when Mare got hurt in a game in 2004.

Not sure he's worth a second round pick unless they get him for a reasonable contract. Wonder if the Dolphins will match.

BUSY offseason for the Pats so far.

Depends on the poison pill...

I would not give up a second rnd pick for Welker. While I like what Welker has to offer. The Patriots could surely find a more talented player in the 2nd rnd.

 

[Pat Patriot]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2786731

Interesting. Seems like a Pats type of player. Versatile. Nice slot option WR and will give you punt and kick returning. Even kicked a FG and an XP when Mare got hurt in a game in 2004.

Not sure he's worth a second round pick unless they get him for a reasonable contract. Wonder if the Dolphins will match.

BUSY offseason for the Pats so far.

Depends on the poison pill...

I would not give up a second rnd pick for Welker. While I like what Welker has to offer. The Patriots could surely find a more talented player in the 2nd rnd.

I think its a tough call. Welker brings a lot as a slot receiver and is an EXCELLENT punt returner. I cant think of a WR in the 2nd round that would match what Welker brings. Welker is 26 and seemingly the perfect replacement for Troy Brown.

 

[KTM]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2786731

Interesting. Seems like a Pats type of player. Versatile. Nice slot option WR and will give you punt and kick returning. Even kicked a FG and an XP when Mare got hurt in a game in 2004.

Not sure he's worth a second round pick unless they get him for a reasonable contract. Wonder if the Dolphins will match.

BUSY offseason for the Pats so far.

Depends on the poison pill...

I would not give up a second rnd pick for Welker. While I like what Welker has to offer. The Patriots could surely find a more talented player in the 2nd rnd.

I think its a tough call. Welker brings a lot as a slot receiver and is an EXCELLENT punt returner. I cant think of a WR in the 2nd round that would match what Welker brings. Welker is 26 and seemingly the perfect replacement for Troy Brown.

Seems like the perfect fit for the Pats. Someone who's gritty and can do a lot of different things to help the team.

 

[Finatic]

Perfect deal IMO......NE gets a typical Pat's player and the Fin's get a 2nd to add much needed depth........

P.S. Cam,Randy PLEASE don't match

 

[Bri]

He reminds me of Chrebet so much. I hope the fins don't match. A little bit more experience and he'll be "nails" on 3rd down.

I consider him the plan if Watson plays like Watson so I'm pleased here. Thomas can be the 1 TE and they can roll with 3 WR if need be too.

 

[PadresLakers]

\"The Patriots plan to sign Miami restricted free-agent wide receiver Wes Welker to a seven-year offers sheet worth $38.5 million. Once Welker signs the offer sheet, the Dolphins will have seven days to match it. If they decide not to, they would get the Patriots\' second-round draft pick.\"

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10033511

What?!?

 

[Routilla]

I could see him being Brady's safety net. Always open underneath and good YAC. Bump up Brady if that's possible.

 

[bigreese82]

If someone takes a chance on Welker for a second rounder, isn't it almost a sure thing that someone will attack DJ Hackett for a two? Are the SeaHawks in good cap shape?

 

[massraider]

\"The Patriots plan to sign Miami restricted free-agent wide receiver Wes Welker to a seven-year offers sheet worth $38.5 million. Once Welker signs the offer sheet, the Dolphins will have seven days to match it. If they decide not to, they would get the Patriots\' second-round draft pick.\"

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10033511

What?!?

Yeah, what?There must be something going on here we don't know about. 7 years, 38 mill, AND a 2nd round pick? Lordy. Glad he's scrappy and gritty and all, but that seems like a lot to me.

 

[Godsbrother]

\"The Patriots plan to sign Miami restricted free-agent wide receiver Wes Welker to a seven-year offers sheet worth $38.5 million. Once Welker signs the offer sheet, the Dolphins will have seven days to match it. If they decide not to, they would get the Patriots\' second-round draft pick.\"

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10033511

What?!?

Yeah, what?There must be something going on here we don't know about. 7 years, 38 mill, AND a 2nd round pick? Lordy. Glad he's scrappy and gritty and all, but that seems like a lot to me.

What has gotten into the Pats? They're spending like a drunken sailor.

 

[kbell025]

Good for W. Welker. It does seem to be alot of money but trust me Miami fans love him and I think the Pats will get every penny out of him. The Pats will utilize him well and as a Dolphins fan I can say im going to miss him but I don't expect the dolphins to match that. Just anohter fin that leaves to a team I hate and It will be hard for me not to root for the guy.

 

[jgb95]

The contract will be team friendly!

It's just looks big. Trust me the PATS brass know what they are doing.

The guaranteed money is what I can't wait to see?

Will be about $10 million and that will be over the life of the deal which just over $1 millino per year for cap purposes.

 

[Biabreakable]

If the Fish do not match that could mean better days ahead for Booker, Chambers and Hagan.

 

[massraider]

The contract will be team friendly!It's just looks big. Trust me the PATS brass know what they are doing.The guaranteed money is what I can't wait to see?Will be about $10 million and that will be over the life of the deal which just over $1 millino per year for cap purposes.

Just because they are the Pats doesn't mean they are beyond criticism. All of these deals aren't as big as they actually look. But that hasn't stopped anyone from questioning other teams' moves.It's a serious commitment in terms of dollars, and compensation. If anyone said before FA that someone was going to trade a 2nd round pick to the Fins, then give him a deal like that, people would laugh. I find it hard to believe that the Pats are offering him any kind of deal like that, and think something fishy is going on.If there's a posion pill in there, that makes it that valuable ONLY if he stays in Miami, then it's a slick move.

 

[Bri]

The contract seems huge but the way the Pats never sign WRs to big contracts I'm guessing the final year or two will earn him a ton of this $. And of course, which NFL players and NFLPA hates, the Pats will waive and/or renegotiate with him before those years come. We'll see but I think this scenario is a good bet

 

[Balco]

Dolphins would be foolish to match. Welker is a solid receiver and a very nice returner, but that contract is ridiculous. And a 2nd rounder?

I can somewhat see the ridiculous money Adalius Thomas is getting because he is a great player and fits into the Pats scheme perfectly. But the Welker deal is a true head scratcher.

 

[rabidfireweasel]

What I like about approaching Welker here- as a player- not as dollars- is that NE is trying to learn from its mistakes. They have often gone after a big player that gives them a different dimension: Donald Hayes, David Terrell, Charles Johnson, Doug Gabriel, etc. That player ofter falls on his face in NE. The NE offense is built around guys that can get into and out of their breaks quickly: Glenn, Brown, Branch, Patten have all had success.

I also know that when NE faced Miami they had to double cover Welker. I think that is the MO for the offense: not to pay huge money for guys that cab consistently beat double coverage, but have several guys that can beat single coverage and let Brady pick who to throw to.

The money seems huge at the moment- but I will refrain from comment until I see signing bonus and what the first 3-4 years of the deal look like. As for it costing a second round pick, I think NE knows that its window is slowly closing and Chad Jackson (A second rounder who gave them little and will miss part of next year) and Bethle Johnson are recent examples of second round wr's who have done little.

 

[jgb95]

The contract seems huge but the way the Pats never sign WRs to big contracts I'm guessing the final year or two will earn him a ton of this $. And of course, which NFL players and NFLPA hates, the Pats will waive and/or renegotiate with him before those years come. We'll see but I think this scenario is a good bet

This is exactly what i meant Mass Raider

 

[GroveDiesel]

And yet they didn't want to give Branch that kind of money last season?

 

[Bri]

And yet they didn't want to give Branch that kind of money last season?

He was under contract and acting like a crybaby. Obviously, if he waited he'd be getting this kind of money. You didn't see Jabar or Reche breaking the bank with them last year.

 

[Pat Patriot]

And yet they didn't want to give Branch that kind of money last season?

He was under contract and acting like a crybaby. Obviously, if he waited he'd be getting this kind of money. You didn't see Jabar or Reche breaking the bank with them last year.

Easy for us to say but if Branch had just played out his contract, he would likely be getting a big long term deal from the Pats right now that is probably above the deal he signed in Seattle. I didnt want to wait a year and play for a measly $1 million.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

And yet they didn't want to give Branch that kind of money last season?

He was under contract and acting like a crybaby.

Richard Seymour (and his crybaby actions) says "hello".

 

[Wandering wookie]

And yet they didn't want to give Branch that kind of money last season?

He was under contract and acting like a crybaby.

Richard Seymour (and his crybaby actions) says "hello".

And Ty Warren says thank you to Richard and the Patriots for his huge payout when he becomes a FA. Difference between Seymore and Branch is that Seymore IS worth every penny while Branch may become worth every penny. I still am not convinced that Wlker is worth the dough...though.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

And Ty Warren says thank you to Richard and the Patriots for his huge payout when he becomes a FA. Difference between Seymore and Branch is that Seymore IS worth every penny while Branch may become worth every penny.

But its not a difference in how they approached their contracts. Which is where the labeling comes in.

 

[chook]

Does this mean the end of any (deep) sleeper potential that Gaffney may have had after a strong playoff showing?

 

[SwampDawg]

As a Phins fan I'm split, I lone Welker and the grittyness he brings to the game. That said I'm not sure he is worth that money and the extra second round pick will be nice. I'd love to see us package that second and our number nine overall and a player to somehow move up and get Calvin Johnson.

 

[Warhogs]

Dang. That looks like a ton of money for this guy. I don't like this move by the patriots.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Does this mean the end of any (deep) sleeper potential that Gaffney may have had after a strong playoff showing?

Depending on your expectations, no. I still like Gaffney's chances of contributing, but I'm not sure what his ceiling is, especially with FA still in the early stages and the upcoming draft.

 

[Liquid Tension]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2786731

Interesting. Seems like a Pats type of player. Versatile. Nice slot option WR and will give you punt and kick returning. Even kicked a FG and an XP when Mare got hurt in a game in 2004.

Not sure he's worth a second round pick unless they get him for a reasonable contract. Wonder if the Dolphins will match.

BUSY offseason for the Pats so far.

Depends on the poison pill...

I would not give up a second rnd pick for Welker. While I like what Welker has to offer. The Patriots could surely find a more talented player in the 2nd rnd.

Dolphin fan says, thanks for the 2nd round pick and for a conservative team that is a lot of coin for a slot receiver and a pretty good punt returner.

 

[NOONAN]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2786731

Interesting. Seems like a Pats type of player. Versatile. Nice slot option WR and will give you punt and kick returning. Even kicked a FG and an XP when Mare got hurt in a game in 2004.

Not sure he's worth a second round pick unless they get him for a reasonable contract. Wonder if the Dolphins will match.

BUSY offseason for the Pats so far.

Depends on the poison pill...

I would not give up a second rnd pick for Welker. While I like what Welker has to offer. The Patriots could surely find a more talented player in the 2nd rnd.

Dolphin fan says, thanks for the 2nd round pick and for a conservative team that is a lot of coin for a slot receiver and a pretty good punt returner.

Also, with Dillon gone, Maroney will obviously be starting RB and the Pats need a good KICK returner to fill the void Maroney will leave. Faulk will be needed even more as the 3rd down back and Cobbs can focus on CB. Welker can play slot and handle both return jobs as he did in Miami. Good signing for Pats!!!

 

[cdwood]

I've seen a few posts criticizing the Pats for offering a long term deal with big $$'s. Reality is that you have to make an offer that sounds ridiculous to discourage Miami from matching the terms of the offer. Theres no point in making an offer if you expect Miami to match it.

 

[JBTV]

As a Dolphins fan, I love Welker, but I'll take a 2nd rounder as part of a rebuilding process for him.

As a fantasy owner, Hagan is officially on my radar if this goes down.

 

[Tastes Like Chicken]

As a Dolphin fanI will take the 2nd all day for Welker. As a NFL/Draft follower I have to say my favorite thing that NE does is move their draft picks to their advantage. They move up, they move down, they always seem to aquire future picks, and they have the comp. pick thing so wired that they seem to gain multiple picks in that area every year. So even though it seems like a lot to give up for a #3 WR they will make up that pick pretty soon(if it wasn't already some surplus pick{I am to lazy to investagate}).

I am looking forward to see what Mueller do for the Dolphins as he seems to be a shrewd draft day dealer and it seems that he has some ammo to work with already

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I like both Deion Branch and Wes Welker as players. But I think the Patriots got the better end of the Branch transaction, and the Dolphins got the better end of the Welker transaction.

 

[tombonneau]

Posted this in pats off season thread but is germane to this one as well:

=================

What you can't discount with the signing of two Fins, is the Saban connection. Previously, when Saban was at LSU, BB would draft LSU players (the assumption that Saban was giving BB the heads up on who had the goods and who didn't -- btw, thanks for the inside info on Marquis Hill, Nick)

One would infer with the quick strikes on Morris & Welker that Saban candidly informed BB of what types of players they were, what he can expect. As we know, there is a lot more to a player than what you see on game film. How he practices, how committed he is to the game, how he fits into the locker room.

I'm assuming Saban had glowing praise for Morris & Welker. Plus, its not like BB is not familiar with either player. He has broken down lots of film for both of them since NE plays BUF & MIA 2x a year, so they are not unknown commodities.

I like both signings.

Still not fully sold on the #2 for Welker, but I'm warming to it.

=========================

On the surface, a 2 feels steep; sure they could get a player who longterm has more potential than Welker. But when you are a team that legitimately could win the SB in 07 & 08, I think it makes sense be make the occassional short-sighted move with Welker.

I think obv. Welker helps the team more in 07 & 08 more than the draft pick would, so why not do it.

 

[Boston]

Love this move if it happens. Tom Brady is going to be 30 this August. Once he's gone all bets are off in Foxboro. Therefore the Pats have about a five year window to add more rings. Right now they are plenty young and with two #1's and compensatory picks on the way they still have plenty of draft ammo. This team needs players who can contribute right away and that's something Welker can do. The fact he's 25 means he can be expected to stay a Patriot in his prime for quite sometime. Not only will he help at WR which is currently thin but he's a serious special teams threat. I'd much rather add a proven veteran like Welker than using a #1 or #2 on a WR that may or may not contribute next season. They'll get much better bang for the buck using those #1's on a position like CB or safety.

If this move goes thru the Pats get a high energy guy who helps out in two areas as well as allowing for more draft flexibility. $wise I still need to see the terms but because of some very difficult decisions made the past two years BB/Pioli put the Pats in a position where they could make a free agent splash as well as having two #1's. IMO BB/Pioli know the time is now and with Samuel the only core player a potential free agent this season and next this is the offseason to get after it in free agency much like they did in 2002 with Harrison, Poole and Colvin which helped them win two straight titles.

 

[David Yudkin]

I'm surprised no one has posted that Welker has had the misfortune to play with Gus Frerotte, Sage Rosenfels, A.J. Feeley, a banged up Daunte Culpepper, Joey Harrington, and Cleo Lemon at QB. Last year he had 67/687, and IMO that's pretty good for the situtation in Miami. CERTAINLY Tom Brady is a huge step up in the QB talent department.

 

[Morton Muffley]

$wise I still need to see the terms

Is there any doubt that this 7yr/$37MM deal is really structured something like:3 yrs/$11M2 yrs/$6M2yrs/$20MC'mon folks...this is NOT a $30+M deal in the way that AD's is and until we see the terms is foolish to treat it as such.

 

[datems812]

welker will stay with miami...hes too valuable to the team and too young to let him leave to a rival even for a draft pick

in my opinion an established 3rd year player is much more valuable than a 2nd round pick, but of course the fins never think logically...

 

[Biabreakable]

Welker is only 25 years old and came into his own to compete with WRs Booker and Chambers last year.

To me that is a lot better player than what the Pats could expect to get in the late 2nd round at WR.

Welker is proven a rookie is not.

Welker is further along in his development and ready to contribute now while a rookie likely will not be.

The money may seem pretty high but I think it is a worthwhile investment considering how close the Pats are to a title right now and better use of resources than drafting a rookie WR in the 2nd round would be.

Welker as allready mentioned covers the special teams need for the Pats as well.

 

[phthalatemagic]

Difference between Seymore and Branch is that Seymore IS worth every pennyLast year he was? I remember him taking about three snaps in the AFCC. In fact he was playing through some sort of problem all season long.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Difference between Seymore and Branch is that Seymore IS worth every pennyLast year he was? I remember him taking about three snaps in the AFCC. In fact he was playing through some sort of problem all season long.

Cant account for injuries. Seymour is a stud. Branch is a very good player.

 

[phthalatemagic]

Difference between Seymore and Branch is that Seymore IS worth every pennyLast year he was? I remember him taking about three snaps in the AFCC. In fact he was playing through some sort of problem all season long.

Cant account for injuries. Seymour is a stud. Branch is a very good player.

My point is perhaps a guy that gets banged up alot isn't worth the money, certainly not on a genius GM's team like Piolo/Belichick? Only one year is gone, and he could never miss a game again. However, at what point do one say he isn't worth the money?