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Welker and the Pats are talking, but will the team offer enough to keep him in red, white and blue?
If we’ve learned anything about the Patriots over the years, it’s that they like to keep things a little close to the vest.
Or a lot close. Mostly a lot.
So as news reports have surfaced this week that wide receiver Wes Welker, who is set to hit the open market when free agency opens later this month, was close to a deal with the Pats, it felt like more than a touch of PR spin.
It’s no secret the kind of contract Welker is looking for (hint: one including lots and lots of zeros) and it’s even less of a secret that the Pats aren’t known to dive too far into the team’s pockets to pay players more than they’re worth.
Welker isn’t worth Megatron money, but he has every right to chase after it.
But back to the Pats and those reports of closing in on a deal. Maybe it’s just been one too many years of watching really great guys walk away in free agency (we miss you, Adam!) but it seems unlikely the sides are “that close” to coming to terms. It feels more like the Patriots want the public to know they’ve made an offer they consider substantial to try and keep Welker, thus minimizing backlash if he does test free agency and sign elsewhere.
Naturally, being locked down by New England below market value before at least exploring his options isn’t going to be Welker’s approach to this new deal. It’s the last large contract he’s going to sign in the NFL and it’s within his rights to want the biggest payday possible.
So, what should we expect from Wesley when he hits the open market March 9? He’ll take some meetings, he’ll listen to some proposals and he’ll get a handle on what he’s worth outside Foxboro.
However, as ESPNBoston.com’s Mike Reiss pointed out, it would be surprising to not see Welker with the Flying Elvis on his helmet for a few more years in New England. Why? Lots of reasons, but mostly because there’s a comfort level for him with this team. He is the go-to guy playing with the best quarterback in the business and he’s going to get his catches. As much as Welker seems to have dollar signs in his eyes, he’s also a slot receiver in his 30s. He doesn’t have unlimited years to earn a Super Bowl ring, something he has come close to in New England and somewhere he knows he’ll have a chance to compete every season.
One can only hope Welker realizes the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
