WR Welker not expected to get Extension from Patriots

Mike Reiss at ESPN Boston reports that WR Wes Welker is not expected to work out a long-term deal with the Patriots prior to Monday’s deadline for franchised players. Per the article:

                   A source close to Welker said that as of Saturday dialogue between the sides wasn’t overly active. The source said that at this point, it would be a surprise if an extension was reached, but cautioned that things always could shift as the deadline approaches.

Welker has already signed the one-year Franchise Tender, paying him $9.5M for the upcoming season. At this point, it appears Welker will hit the unrestricted free agent market at the conclusion of the 2012 season.

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Jason La Canfora cites a source with knowledge of the discussions between the Net England Patriots and WR Wes Welker who believes that  there’s a “50/50” chance that the two sides will be able to come to an agreement regarding a long-term contract for Welker.

The Patriots have approached the situation with a great deal of caution in the previous months, but things can change as the deadline draws closer. There’s been a minimal amount of optimism regarding the situation, but La Canfora adds that there’s a “pretty significant gap in terms of guaranteed money to bridge.”

We have Welker listed as the No. 15 best available free agent in our Top 50 Free Agents list.