I wanted to start a discussion about this move in significance to the Patriots' salary cap. Will franchising Welker assure that he gets paid more? Will his contract prevent the Patriots from filling some holes? Is it more likely he gets a long-term deal or signs the franchise tender? http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story...iots-tag-wes-welker-4-pm-deadline-source-says The New England Patriots will place their franchise tag on wide receiver Wes Welker by Monday's 4 p.m. ET deadline, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The tag is estimated to be $9.4 million and will restrict Welker from fully experiencing unrestricted free agency. Welker, who turns 31 on May 1, has played out the five-year contract he signed with the Patriots in 2007. The Boston Globe reported Monday that the Patriots offered a two-year pact during the 2011 season that averaged $8 million per year, which was rejected. Sources told ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss that contract talks with Welker have been on and off since the fall, but were slow prior to the NFL combine late last month.
it certainly is restrictive if he only signs the one year $9.4 million deal, but I have a hard time believing he will, especially if he turned down only a two year contract even for $16 million (but how much of tat was guaranteed). he has to get paid in on this contract, it is likely his last, and a 1 year contract is too much of a risk for him even at $9 million when he can probably get a 3 or 4 year contract and maybe $15 million guaranteed. I wouldn't be surprised to see him hold out if they can't get a deal done. this is just to make sure he doesn't go anywhere and the Pats have more time to negotiate.
I know this guy is a reception machine, but I always felt he was kind of overrated. Yeah, he's good. I don't think he's close to a top-5 WR in this league. Even at his best. If he doesn't have Tom Brady throwing accurate passes that hit him in stride on his quick routes, he's pretty useless. Not much of a deep thread, doesn't have good size for the red zone. He just dominates the short passing game, but his success is predicated on the throws coming his way. He doesn't have the reach or ability to snatch balls that are not thrown very accurately. I hope the Pats give him a huge contract. Once his speed and/or strength at the line falls off, he will just be a money pit.
Agreed. I think they work something out on a two year deal for sure. They want him, he probably wants to stay there. It's just a matter of payment: Does he want to be paid among the top WRs in the league? Probably. Are the Pats willing to pay that amount? I guess we'll find out.
16 mil for 2 years is a crappy offer? The Pats will not put themselves in the kind of hole the Jets did with Holmes. Welker is really good, but does anyone think he'd come close to the numbers he's put up in NE anywhere else?
if Welker can get $16 million guaranteed over a 3 pr 4 year contract he should count his blessings. he's an aging receiver who clearly benefits from the team he is on. I don't mean to minimize how much he means to them, but like you said, he wouldn't be nearly productive anywhere else. so, if he isn't jumping on $16 million he is likely insulted by only a two year contract. I do think he could probably get $16 million guaranteed with a four year contract as well, in which he would also bank another couple of million salary, so a two year $16 million contract is a crappy offer.
More info According to NYJC, the Pats' potential cap savings via cuts are: OL Matt Light $5M OL Waters $2.25M CB Arrington $1.9M WR Ochocinco $1.52M RB Woodhead $1.36M S Barrett $1. Ochocinco is a likely cut. Woodhead and Waters are possible cuts. EDIT: [apologies] I was referring to speculation that Matt Light may retire. The Pats were at approximately $102.6M as of March 1st, leaving them with at least $18M to work with. Welker will likely take up close to half of their cap space. Unlike years past (see: Seymour, Richard and Warren, Ty) it looks unlikely that they'll be able to make any major cuts to clear cap room. Not quite sure who on their roster can be restructured.
$16m doesnt mean anything until you see what was guaranteed - you could give him a $40m contract but if it is linked to unrealistic targets it means nothing. What I expect is crappy (from Welkers pespective) is the 2 year bit - after having him very cheap for 5 years he was probably expecting a decent 3-4 year contract to see him into a retirement as this is going to be his one chance at a decent payday. Its the same issue the jets are going to face this offseason with Pouha.
This year and next are Welker's last chance to get paid. Why would he take less than 2 x franchise tag? He's already looking at $9m+ for 2012, so he gets almost $11m in 2013 or hits the open market. If the patriots give him $20m guaranteed he probably signs for 3 years. Don't see why he'd deal for less.
I would guess that Welker is looking for at least three years with at least $16M guaranteed. I think the per-season amount was just about right at $8M, but the length was probably the sticking point. They placed the non-exclusive tag on him so he can deal with other teams, but the Patriots would have the right to match any deal or take two first round picks. Welker isn't worth two first-rounders but I wonder if any GMs out there are foolish enough to consider making a run at him.
Welker: Glad to be Pat in '12 Seems Wes is not upset with the tag. I'm guessing they will work something out. http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4718690/welker-tweets-on-tag Glad that I will be a Patriot in 2012. and hopefully '13,'14,'15,'16,'17,'18.........."
he undoubtedly wants to stay a Patriot. unfortunately for the Pats he wants to be a Patriot for more than two years, and probably doesn't want to spend the rest of his career on a year-to-year basis that a two year contract would essentially relegate him to. It will be interesting how many years the Pats are willing to commit to.
