Welker Wants to Test the Free Agent Market

The reports about Wes Welker's contract negotiations with the Patriots have been all over the spectrum lately. Some reports make it seem like it's basically a done deal. Other reports make it seem like there's still some bad blood from the last negotiations and his drop in playing time early last season that is hindering the negotiations. I read one report discussing the Patriots eyeing Rams WR Danny Amendola as a replacement for Welker. I suppose none of these are mutually exclusive. Welker could be a little upset about how the last year has gone but still be making progress on a long term deal and the Patriots would be wise to have a plan B strategy if they can't agree on figures with Wes. Still, I think it provides some conflicting views about where the two sides are in putting a deal together.

Adam Schefter recently tweeted the following:
"Patriots free-agent WR Wes Welker has no plans to re-sign with New England before first testing the free-agent market next week."

I don't think that this is necessarily a bad thing for the Patriots. Welker has a reputation as being an effective cog in the Patriots system, but I think another team looking at him would have to wonder if he can be as effective in their system. Welker was effective in two seasons at Miami, but his numbers truly exploded when he came to New England. He's not like Calvin Johnson where you're simply blown away by his talent and athleticism, Welker's gifts are more subtle. He creates quick seperation, he's slippery enough to get past that first contact for some YAC and he can get nailed catching a pass over the middle, hold onto the ball and spring right back up and jog to the huddle. In a year where many teams seem to be struggling with their cap management, it's hard for me to imagine another club breaking the bank for him.