Pats ready to let Welker hit the market?

Hard choices have to be made at time to let popular players go to not cripple the cap with just a few player. And teams like NE and Pittsburgh seem to always find younger talent to replace them.

$11.4M doesn't work.

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:11 AM ET  02.12 by Otis B. Driftwood

$11.4M doesn't work.

Nope. It just doesn't fit into the scheme of things capwise.

We had this same story last year. Welker is still Brady's go-to receiver. And he will be in September, too.

And when the by-line is the Boston Herald, there's no sense in taking it seriously.

I'm strangely OK with this. I think Edelman finally started taking some steps forward prior to his injury this year and with healthy Gronk, Hernandez and now Ballard in the mix, as well as Vereen coming on. I think the Patriots will be OK without Welker.

In the end I see Welker re-signing for less in NE.

What other team would he fit in with ?

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 08:22 AM ET  02.12 by Robataille

What other team would he fit in with ?

Denver would probably be a good fit. But this is why I see Welker coming back to New England for less, he knows he has a nice niche in New England, and knows he probably won't be nearly as targeted on another team. Plus there is no way he will be able to develop the type of chemistry he has with Brady elsewhere.

QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 08:18 AM ET  02.12 by Debbie Does

We had this same story last year. Welker is still Brady's go-to receiver. And he will be in September, too.And when the by-line is the Boston Herald, there's no sense in taking it seriously.

Yes, but last year the tag cost them $9.515 million versus 11.4 this year. Another 2 mill could help lots of places. Not sure why they haven't worked on a long term deal during the season.

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 08:25 AM ET  02.12 by I Must Break You

Denver would probably be a good fit. But this is why I see Welker coming back to New England for less, he knows he has a nice niche in New England, and knows he probably won't be nearly as targeted on another team. Plus there is no way he will be able to develop the type of chemistry he has with Brady elsewhere.

I can't see Denver paying much for his services. Plus, don't forget they still have Brandon Stokely, who is Peyton's version of Welker.

I think he'll stay in NE, for less.

QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 08:26 AM ET  02.12 by GoPSULions

Not sure why they haven't worked on a long term deal during the season.

Indeed. That is the question. Hamlet had it wrong.

But what I want to know is when will we get a thread about whether Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden will be the next Pope?

Tough Guy. I like him. But he's going to be an ex-Pat and the closest he will ever getting to winning a ring bounced off his shoulder in the 4th Qtr of SB XVLI.

QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 08:30 AM ET  02.12 by Debbie Does

But what I want to know is when will we get a thread about whether Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden will be the next Pope?

It's about to be a black Pope... The world is about to EXPLODE yo!

QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 08:30 AM ET  02.12 by Debbie Does

But what I want to know is when will we get a thread about whether Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden will be the next Pope?

Don't forget Parcells

QUOTE(#13):

Originally posted 08:31 AM ET  02.12 by Robataille

It's about to be a black Pope... The world is about to EXPLODE yo!

The Rooney Rule doesn't apply to the Vatican. I'm thinking they may go back to an Italian.

QUOTE(#14):

Originally posted 08:32 AM ET  02.12 by GoPSULions

Don't forget Parcells

Yeah, fish on Friday, but Tuna every day.

QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 08:18 AM ET  02.12 by Debbie Does

And when the by-line is the Boston Herald, there's no sense in taking it seriously.

typically that is very true but it seems that Welker's time is up in NE. he's taken a lot of big hits for a little guy and it's taken a toll of late. probably why he has had some big misses in big games the past few seasons.

Brady is 35. The "window of opportunity" has been open for a long, long time in New England, but you can count the number of chances for another ring on one hand now. They aren't going to let one of their top weapons get away.

QUOTE(#18):

Originally posted 09:03 AM ET  02.12 by Debbie Does

Brady is 35. The "window of opportunity" has been open for a long, long time in New England, but you can count the number of chances for another ring on one hand now. They aren't going to let one of their top weapons get away.

Not so sure about that. That kind of money can get you a very goood WR and/or a slot receiver that is pretty good. Is it Welker or Brady that makes that combo work? Consider this: If I am the Pats and the Giants tender Cruz, then I trade my first round late pick and sign him for a lot less than Welker, I get younger and save money.

As a Giants fan I hate to see it happen, but objectively, it is the smart move by a team like the Pats. That late first round pick is not worth even close to a victor cruz.

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 08:22 AM ET  02.12 by Robataille

What other team would he fit in with ?

Titans need receiver who can roam the middle and not be jittery...Locker needs help....got plenty of cap room.....