“No Meaningful Progress” Between Wes Welker And Patriots On A New Contract

James Walker of ESPN writes that the Patriots decision to lock up TE Rob Gronkowski “hasn’t meant much thus far for Pro Bowl receiver Wes Welker.”

Walker says that there has been “no meaningful progress” between the Patriots and Welker in recent weeks for a new contract for him. Welker was designated as the franchise player and the deadline to sign franchise players to long term deals is July 16th.

Welker has been very consistent the past 5 years for the Patriots catching 100+ balls in four of the past five.  But with all the new wide receivers the Patriots have signed recently the team could be looking to get younger at the position.