ESPN’s James Walker writes that the New England Patriots should consider locking up WR Wes Welker in the near future as his asking price is likely to continue climbing as the season goes on.
“Welker is putting up monster numbers in the final year of his contract. He leads the NFL in receptions (40) and receiving yards (616). Only Detroit’s Calvin Johnson (eight) has more touchdown catches than Welker (five),” writes Walker. “Welker’s price tag will continue to rise if he keeps up this pace. The Patriots are not going to let their best receiver walk next offseason. So they may as well try to save a bit now by working out an extension before the end of the season.”
Pro Football Talk posted the cap numbers for each NFL team as of today and the Patriots are sitting $8.3 million under the cap.
Welker has seen his role in the Patriots offense grow each year but as of now there is almost an unhealthy reliance on his production which leaves New England with little leverage in negotiations. Locking up now makes sense if they plan on utilizing him the same way throughout remainder of season.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
