Wes Welker to Walk? (1 Viewer)

[Anarchy99]

According to Schefter this morning, Welker has no plans to sign with the Patriots before free agency and intends to test the market. That sounds more likely to me than the report yesterday that the Pats and Welker were on the verge of a deal and that they both wanted to get it done before free agency. My guess is the Pats tried floating that out there to try to pressure Welker into a deal.

Couldn't the report about Welker testing the market be a ploy to pressure the Pats to offer more money?

 

[TheFanatic]

According to Schefter this morning, Welker has no plans to sign with the Patriots before free agency and intends to test the market. That sounds more likely to me than the report yesterday that the Pats and Welker were on the verge of a deal and that they both wanted to get it done before free agency. My guess is the Pats tried floating that out there to try to pressure Welker into a deal.

Me too. When was the last time the Pats were willing to deal with an aging vet? Mike Giardi of Sports Central seems WAY off to me. That's just not how the Patriots operate.

 

[GroveDiesel]

According to Schefter this morning, Welker has no plans to sign with the Patriots before free agency and intends to test the market. That sounds more likely to me than the report yesterday that the Pats and Welker were on the verge of a deal and that they both wanted to get it done before free agency. My guess is the Pats tried floating that out there to try to pressure Welker into a deal.

Couldn't the report about Welker testing the market be a ploy to pressure the Pats to offer more money?

That's certainly possible. But the news this morning making it clear that Welker will test free agency almost certainly has to be from Welker's camp. And it would be weird to float out a report of a deal almost being done one day and then crush that report the very next day. If they were trying to use public perception to force NE into a deal, they would have waited more than a day.That's why I figure the report about an impending deal came from the Patriots.

 

[Anarchy99]

I trust Mike Reiss more than any other Pats beat reporter, and he seems pretty confident that a Pats/Welker deal is on the horizon. Whether that means before free agency hits or after, he still thinks Welker isn't going anywhere.

 

[meyerj31]

According to Schefter this morning, Welker has no plans to sign with the Patriots before free agency and intends to test the market. That sounds more likely to me than the report yesterday that the Pats and Welker were on the verge of a deal and that they both wanted to get it done before free agency. My guess is the Pats tried floating that out there to try to pressure Welker into a deal.

Couldn't the report about Welker testing the market be a ploy to pressure the Pats to offer more money?

That's certainly possible. But the news this morning making it clear that Welker will test free agency almost certainly has to be from Welker's camp. And it would be weird to float out a report of a deal almost being done one day and then crush that report the very next day. If they were trying to use public perception to force NE into a deal, they would have waited more than a day.That's why I figure the report about an impending deal came from the Patriots.

Why would anyone believe an impending deal? Welker has nothing to lose by waiting a couple weeks to see what he is worth on the open market.

 

[Skeletore Eh]

According to Schefter this morning, Welker has no plans to sign with the Patriots before free agency and intends to test the market. That sounds more likely to me than the report yesterday that the Pats and Welker were on the verge of a deal and that they both wanted to get it done before free agency. My guess is the Pats tried floating that out there to try to pressure Welker into a deal.

Couldn't the report about Welker testing the market be a ploy to pressure the Pats to offer more money?

That's certainly possible. But the news this morning making it clear that Welker will test free agency almost certainly has to be from Welker's camp. And it would be weird to float out a report of a deal almost being done one day and then crush that report the very next day. If they were trying to use public perception to force NE into a deal, they would have waited more than a day.That's why I figure the report about an impending deal came from the Patriots.

Why would anyone believe an impending deal? Welker has nothing to lose by waiting a couple weeks to see what he is worth on the open market.

Yeah he does. He tests free agency, the pats sign another wr, and then they have no interest in signing him.

 

[Bandite]

Does the rush to trade for Amendola in Dynasty leagues begin ?

 

[TheFanatic]

According to Schefter this morning, Welker has no plans to sign with the Patriots before free agency and intends to test the market. That sounds more likely to me than the report yesterday that the Pats and Welker were on the verge of a deal and that they both wanted to get it done before free agency. My guess is the Pats tried floating that out there to try to pressure Welker into a deal.

Couldn't the report about Welker testing the market be a ploy to pressure the Pats to offer more money?

That's certainly possible. But the news this morning making it clear that Welker will test free agency almost certainly has to be from Welker's camp. And it would be weird to float out a report of a deal almost being done one day and then crush that report the very next day. If they were trying to use public perception to force NE into a deal, they would have waited more than a day.That's why I figure the report about an impending deal came from the Patriots.

Why would anyone believe an impending deal? Welker has nothing to lose by waiting a couple weeks to see what he is worth on the open market.

Yeah he does. He tests free agency, the pats sign another wr, and then they have no interest in signing him.

Or the Pats get news that other teams are offering less than what they are offering and lower their offer...

 

[Skeletore Eh]

A source with knowledge of the situation tells Profootballtalk the Patriots are still the favorites for free agent Wes Welker, but that it's "close."

Per the source, one or two teams could "intervene." The Boston Herald and ESPN have both reported Welker has every intention of testing the market, but he should still be more important to the Pats than anyone else. As few as two other interested suitors could make things interesting, however.

Source: Profootballtalk on NBCSports.com

 

[Late225]

which other teams are interested?

 

[biggamer3]

which other teams are interested?

If jets can get under cap enough to make an offer with large bonuses, they would be wise to steal him away

 

[TheFanatic]

which other teams are interested?

If jets can get under cap enough to make an offer with large bonuses, they would be wise to steal him away

Might not be a bad guy to have for the Rams if Amendola is asking too much. Yes, Amendola seems to be a younger version of Welker, but he's also much more brittle it would seem...

 

[Tackling Dummies]

which other teams are interested?

If jets can get under cap enough to make an offer with large bonuses, they would be wise to steal him away

Too many other needs first of all and Welker would be screwed as bad as Fitzgerald going from Brady to Sanchez.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Does the rush to trade for Amendola in Dynasty leagues begin ?

Shhhhhhh

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Does the rush to trade for Amendola in Dynasty leagues begin ?

Shhhhhhh

Do people really think Amendola might end up in NE? Seems like wishful thinking.

 

[Anarchy99]

One team is said to be Miami. But they are after Wallace too.

And last I heard, Amendola wanted close to what Welker wanted, so I doubt he would go to NE for cheap..

 

[Penguin]

Does the rush to trade for Amendola in Dynasty leagues begin ?

Shhhhhhh

Do people really think Amendola might end up in NE? Seems like wishful thinking.

New England wouldn't pay even half of what Amendola wants.

 

[cstu]

A source with knowledge of the situation tells Profootballtalk the Patriots are still the favorites for free agent Wes Welker, but that it's "close."Per the source, one or two teams could "intervene." The Boston Herald and ESPN have both reported Welker has every intention of testing the market, but he should still be more important to the Pats than anyone else. As few as two other interested suitors could make things interesting, however.Source: Profootballtalk on NBCSports.com

My gut tells me he re-signs. He's caved before and he'll probably cave again. Deep in his heart he knows that this is the best system for him and he won't get much more anywhere else.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Does the rush to trade for Amendola in Dynasty leagues begin ?

Shhhhhhh

Do people really think Amendola might end up in NE? Seems like wishful thinking.

Amendola doesn't seem to be durable enough to hold up to the kind of pounding that a Welker-type WR takes.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

A source with knowledge of the situation tells Profootballtalk the Patriots are still the favorites for free agent Wes Welker, but that it's "close."Per the source, one or two teams could "intervene." The Boston Herald and ESPN have both reported Welker has every intention of testing the market, but he should still be more important to the Pats than anyone else. As few as two other interested suitors could make things interesting, however.Source: Profootballtalk on NBCSports.com

My gut tells me he re-signs. He's caved before and he'll probably cave again. Deep in his heart he knows that this is the best system for him and he won't get much more anywhere else.

when did he cave before?

 

[cstu]

A source with knowledge of the situation tells Profootballtalk the Patriots are still the favorites for free agent Wes Welker, but that it's "close."Per the source, one or two teams could "intervene." The Boston Herald and ESPN have both reported Welker has every intention of testing the market, but he should still be more important to the Pats than anyone else. As few as two other interested suitors could make things interesting, however.Source: Profootballtalk on NBCSports.com

My gut tells me he re-signs. He's caved before and he'll probably cave again. Deep in his heart he knows that this is the best system for him and he won't get much more anywhere else.

when did he cave before?

I mean last year when he signed the franchise tender. I think it was a huge mistake and the Pats would have signed him to a long-term deal if he threatened to hold out.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

A source with knowledge of the situation tells Profootballtalk the Patriots are still the favorites for free agent Wes Welker, but that it's "close."Per the source, one or two teams could "intervene." The Boston Herald and ESPN have both reported Welker has every intention of testing the market, but he should still be more important to the Pats than anyone else. As few as two other interested suitors could make things interesting, however.Source: Profootballtalk on NBCSports.com

My gut tells me he re-signs. He's caved before and he'll probably cave again. Deep in his heart he knows that this is the best system for him and he won't get much more anywhere else.

when did he cave before?

I mean last year when he signed the franchise tender. I think it was a huge mistake and the Pats would have signed him to a long-term deal if he threatened to hold out.

how do you know that?I don't remember them giving branch a long term deal when he held out.

 

[Faust]

Will Wes Welker 'stick it' to New England Patriots?

 

[TheFanatic]

Will Wes Welker 'stick it' to New England Patriots?

That's such a terrible article. FA starts tomorrow and this is all the guy can find on the subject:

A Miami Dolphins source with an "affinity" for Welker certainly believes that's the case. If the ice doesn't thaw in New England soon, the source tells the Miami Herald, Welker would like nothing better than "to stick it to the Patriots" for not paying him what he's worth.

I say we nominate this guy for a Pulitzer...ETA: No offense to the messenger. Just no meat in that one...

 

[Ghost Rider]

IMO, Houston should make a play for Welker. A viable number 2 WR could put them over the top in the AFC.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

IMO, Houston should make a play for Welker. A viable number 2 WR could put them over the top in the AFC.

patriots put up 83 on them in 2 games -- how is welker going to get them over that hump?

 

[TheFanatic]

IMO, Houston should make a play for Welker. A viable number 2 WR could put them over the top in the AFC.

patriots put up 83 on them in 2 games -- how is welker going to get them over that hump?

Take a key part of the offense off the Patriots and put it on the Texans?

 

[BigSteelThrill]

IMO, Houston should make a play for Welker. A viable number 2 WR could put them over the top in the AFC.

patriots put up 83 on them in 2 games -- how is welker going to get them over that hump?

Take a key part of the offense off the Patriots and put it on the Texans?

:familyfeud: Good answer!

 

[Buckna]

IMO, Houston should make a play for Welker. A viable number 2 WR could put them over the top in the AFC.

While they aren't totally cap-strapped, Houston is not exactly bursting at the seams with available cap dollars. They still need to resign a couple of their own FA's and have some guys that will need new big $$ contracts next year like Cushing. I'd be pretty surprised if they go after any expensive FA's.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

IMO, Houston should make a play for Welker. A viable number 2 WR could put them over the top in the AFC.

While they aren't totally cap-strapped, Houston is not exactly bursting at the seams with available cap dollars. They still need to resign a couple of their own FA's and have some guys that will need new big $$ contracts next year like Cushing. I'd be pretty surprised if they go after any expensive FA's.

this is also true, although I think they could restructure enough to sign welker if they really wanted to, but he's not worth it to them.a lot of casual fans are always talking about how everybody should sign this guy or that guy, or make all these ridiculous trades, but reality usually doesn't work out that way.I don't think signing welker is a priority for the texans, considering the expense.if this was fantasy football, and they could put together an all pro team, then maybe.

 

[GregR]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet

Per sources: Talks between Wes Welker and #Patriots are over at this point. Welker exploring free agency #Intrigue #FreeAgency

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

 

[cstu]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheetPer sources: Talks between Wes Welker and #Patriots are over at this point. Welker exploring free agency #Intrigue #FreeAgency

The Dolphins would have a very interesting team if they signed him.

 

[Koya]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheetPer sources: Talks between Wes Welker and #Patriots are over at this point. Welker exploring free agency #Intrigue #FreeAgency

Count me as surprised if this indeed folds out as such.

 

[heidbrink]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheetPer sources: Talks between Wes Welker and #Patriots are over at this point. Welker exploring free agency #Intrigue #FreeAgency

Count me as surprised if this indeed folds out as such.

Me too I fully expected them to re-sign him. One of my favorite players of all time.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Answer = Tavon Austin

 

[DropKick]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheetPer sources: Talks between Wes Welker and #Patriots are over at this point. Welker exploring free agency #Intrigue #FreeAgency

The Dolphins would have a very interesting team if they signed him.

Not with Hartline and Wallace in the fold.

 

[flapgreen]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheetPer sources: Talks between Wes Welker and #Patriots are over at this point. Welker exploring free agency #Intrigue #FreeAgency

I'm not buying it. It's bs. They're not that dumb.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheetPer sources: Talks between Wes Welker and #Patriots are over at this point. Welker exploring free agency #Intrigue #FreeAgency

I'm not buying it. It's bs. They're not that dumb.

if somebody wants to pay him mike wallace money would the pats be smart or dumb to match?

 

[flapgreen]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheetPer sources: Talks between Wes Welker and #Patriots are over at this point. Welker exploring free agency #Intrigue #FreeAgency

I'm not buying it. It's bs. They're not that dumb.

if somebody wants to pay him mike wallace money would the pats be smart or dumb to match?

You know the answer to that. Considering Welker is much older than Wallace and more of a slot receiver, they would be dumb to match, but no one will offer near that. Welker is more important to the Pats offense than he would be to anyone else, though.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

that's fair enough -- so, how much are the pats offering, how much does welker want, and how much can he get elsewhere?

you make it sound like the pats aren't offering anything.

maybe welker has asked for wallace money.

all it takes is one al davis....

 

[flapgreen]

Don't know. Didn't mean it to sound that way. Just saying there's usually more discussion/rumors on big names like Welker. It seems odd. That's why I think he's staying. The Pats have a strange way of doing things. I think Belichick is a paranoid schizophrenic.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

haha.....

if you remember the branch situation, it was reported that they had offered him a pretty good deal, but he held out for even more, so they had to trade him to seattle where he soaked them.

you never know what numbers people are throwing around.

 

[flapgreen]

Has Vollmer been mentioned yet?

 

[Tanner9919]

if I'm an owner with a decent salary cap situation,I'm signing Welker to a huge contract,if for nothing else that wrestling him away from NE..

you can have Edelman, Gronk, etc..the spoon that stirs the NE drink is Welker.as he goes,so goes that offense, IMO..

without a doubt the Pats will be less competitive without Welker.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

Has Vollmer been mentioned yet?

you mean mentioned as in signing rumors?I haven't heard any, but I don't really pay much attention until someone actually signs somewhere -- there are 100 bs rumors for every legit one.

I think he's similar to the welker situation where he might price himself out of their plans.

probably tests market, then we'll have to see what he's worth.

btw, just to #### around -- I am welker's agent.

200/3300/26 - wallace

326/3800/22 - welker

I would like to post my client's numbers (some rounding) over the last 3 years, one of which was coming off major surgery, in comparison to wallace's last 3 years.

If I was to skip over that single anomalous recovery year, to use his last 3 healthy years, his numbers would be

363/4250/19

in addition, if I may point out, wallace's yardage has steadily declined in each of these 3 years (1257 to 1193 to 836), while my client has reached 1165+ in 5 of his last 6 seasons -- the only exception being the year he came off major surgery, with his most recent 2 seasons being career best, averaging 1461 yards, 200 yards more than wallace's single best year which he put up 3 years ago.

my client holds the nfl record for most 100 catch seasons -- not only is he the first receiver in nfl history to record five 100 catch seasons, but he actually has five 110 catch seasons.

at a mark of 18 games, he is currently tied with $63m receiver, andre johnson, for most 10+ reception games, but shares the 12+ reception/game record with nobody (9 games).

he also belongs to an elite club of 15 nfl receivers to post a 100/1500 season.

joining names such as - calvin johnson, marvin harrison, reggie wayne, isaac bruce, torry holt, andre johnson, randy moss, herman moore, michael irvin, steve smith, brandon marshall, and jerry rice.

most, if not all, of these receivers were paid top tier money -- why should my client expect less?

while it's true he'll be 32 this year, he's coming off his 2 best career years, and many of his peers, in terms of production, have produced at a high level well into their 30s.

 

[cheese]

if I'm an owner with a decent salary cap situation,I'm signing Welker to a huge contract,if for nothing else that wrestling him away from NE..you can have Edelman, Gronk, etc..the spoon that stirs the NE drink is Welker.as he goes,so goes that offense, IMO..without a doubt the Pats will be less competitive without Welker.

Especially true if you're an AFC team. Welker is going to be really good anywhere, but just as importantly, the AFC is wide open if someone gets Welker away from NE.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Has Vollmer been mentioned yet?

you mean mentioned as in signing rumors?I haven't heard any, but I don't really pay much attention until someone actually signs somewhere -- there are 100 bs rumors for every legit one.

I think he's similar to the welker situation where he might price himself out of their plans.

probably tests market, then we'll have to see what he's worth.

btw, just to #### around -- I am welker's agent.

200/3300/26 - wallace

326/3800/22 - welker

I would like to post my client's numbers (some rounding) over the last 3 years, one of which was coming off major surgery, in comparison to wallace's last 3 years.

If I was to skip over that single anomalous recovery year, to use his last 3 healthy years, his numbers would be

363/4250/19

in addition, if I may point out, wallace's yardage has steadily declined in each of these 3 years (1257 to 1193 to 836), while my client has reached 1165+ in 5 of his last 6 seasons -- the only exception being the year he came off major surgery, with his most recent 2 seasons being career best, averaging 1461 yards, 200 yards more than wallace's single best year which he put up 3 years ago.

my client holds the nfl record for most 100 catch seasons -- not only is he the first receiver in nfl history to record five 100 catch seasons, but he actually has five 110 catch seasons.

at a mark of 18 games, he is currently tied with $63m receiver, andre johnson, for most 10+ reception games, but shares the 12+ reception/game record with nobody (9 games).

he also belongs to an elite club of 15 nfl receivers to post a 100/1500 season.

joining names such as - calvin johnson, marvin harrison, reggie wayne, isaac bruce, torry holt, andre johnson, randy moss, herman moore, michael irvin, steve smith, brandon marshall, and jerry rice.

most, if not all, of these receivers were paid top tier money -- why should my client expect less?

while it's true he'll be 32 this year, he's coming off his 2 best career years, and many of his peers, in terms of production, have produced at a high level well into their 30s.

It's not about the last 3 years, it's about the next 3 years.

 

[Casting Couch]

Has Vollmer been mentioned yet?

you mean mentioned as in signing rumors?I haven't heard any, but I don't really pay much attention until someone actually signs somewhere -- there are 100 bs rumors for every legit one.

I think he's similar to the welker situation where he might price himself out of their plans.

probably tests market, then we'll have to see what he's worth.

btw, just to #### around -- I am welker's agent.

200/3300/26 - wallace

326/3800/22 - welker

I would like to post my client's numbers (some rounding) over the last 3 years, one of which was coming off major surgery, in comparison to wallace's last 3 years.

If I was to skip over that single anomalous recovery year, to use his last 3 healthy years, his numbers would be

363/4250/19

in addition, if I may point out, wallace's yardage has steadily declined in each of these 3 years (1257 to 1193 to 836), while my client has reached 1165+ in 5 of his last 6 seasons -- the only exception being the year he came off major surgery, with his most recent 2 seasons being career best, averaging 1461 yards, 200 yards more than wallace's single best year which he put up 3 years ago.

my client holds the nfl record for most 100 catch seasons -- not only is he the first receiver in nfl history to record five 100 catch seasons, but he actually has five 110 catch seasons.

at a mark of 18 games, he is currently tied with $63m receiver, andre johnson, for most 10+ reception games, but shares the 12+ reception/game record with nobody (9 games).

he also belongs to an elite club of 15 nfl receivers to post a 100/1500 season.

joining names such as - calvin johnson, marvin harrison, reggie wayne, isaac bruce, torry holt, andre johnson, randy moss, herman moore, michael irvin, steve smith, brandon marshall, and jerry rice.

most, if not all, of these receivers were paid top tier money -- why should my client expect less?

while it's true he'll be 32 this year, he's coming off his 2 best career years, and many of his peers, in terms of production, have produced at a high level well into their 30s.

It's not about the last 3 years, it's about the next 3 years.

 

[TheFanatic]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheetPer sources: Talks between Wes Welker and #Patriots are over at this point. Welker exploring free agency #Intrigue #FreeAgency

I'm not buying it. It's bs. They're not that dumb.

And NE has been known to give big money aging veterans not named Brady? NE gets a hometown discount for guys who have never played in NE because they win.