Wes Welker Not Ready To Retire, Ravens, Texans & Patriots Potential Options?

Update:

Following free agent WR Wes Welker‘s recent comments that he plans to continue his NFL career, Field Yates of ESPN (Insider) takes a look at three potential options for him.

According to Yates, the Patriots, Texans and Ravens could all make sense for Welker.

Welker, himself, confirmed that he would be open to returning to the Patriots, but Yates mentions that off the three options, New England could be the least likely. However, the Pats could view him as an insurance policy in case someone gets hurt this summer.

In regards to the Texans, Yates points out that Welker has “extensive familiarity” with HC Bill O’Brien and quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett from their time together in New England. He would also give them more competition at slot receiver in training camp.

As for the Ravens, Yates mentions that slot receiver Michael Campanaro is currently dealing with a slight hamstring tear. Adding Welker would give them a proven slot receiver, even though Baltimore has several receivers competing for jobs right now.

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Veteran WR Wes Welker mentioned during a recent interview that he’s not ready to retire from the NFL, even though the thought has crossed his mind.

“At times you’re sitting there and thinking, ‘Well maybe I should [retire].’ I think it’s just people kind of [pressuring you], but the more you think about it, and you’re away from it, I’m not ready to [retire]. I still feel good,” Welker said on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich show, via CBS Boston. “I still feel like I have some really good football left in me. I’ve always said [I’ll play] until the wheels fall off.”

Welker is optimistic that an opportunity will eventually present itself.

“Once June really gets going here and July I’ll be [training] really hard, and just knowing that I’m going to be ready. There will be an opportunity at some point,” Welker said. “If it works out, if it’s a good situation and everything else, obviously I want to continue playing.”

Regarding the idea of returning to the Patriots, Welker said he’d be open to being back in New England.

“I wouldn’t be opposed to it. It’s a great organization, obviously, and a great team. It wouldn’t be the worst situation in the world,” he said.

The Dolphins previously brought him in for a visit, but that has been the only reported interest in him this offseason.

Welker, 33, has dealt with concussions in recent years and there was a report from last month that he could consider walking away from the game.

In 2014, Welker appeared in 14 games for the Broncos last year and caught 49 passes for 464 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the N0. 71 receiver out of 110 qualifying players.