Agent: Pats didn't want Welker

Actually, the Patriots did want Welker back. It's just that their fax machine broke down and they couldn't get it fixed in time.

Again..... Who cares ?

Every team has to deal with the cap. The story here is that they had Danny Amendola signed before they let Welker go. But, there's been ill will between Welker and the front office for some time now, too.

Welker has been a dead man walking in New England for two years now. He's better off with the gang in Denver.

Will really be interesting to see if Amendola can put up the numbers that Welker was there, and also if Welker continues to put up those numbers in Denver. Then we'll know if it was a good decision for NE to let him go.

Yeah, the Patriots wanted to go younger this year but the agent also misjudged the market. Welker got paid over $9m last year after the Patriots tagged him. He will get around $6m this coming year. The best thing you can say about this deal is that he has another $6m guaranteed for 2014.

QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 08:50 AM ET  03.18 by GoPSULions

Will really be interesting to see if Amendola can put up the numbers that Welker was there, and also if Welker continues to put up those numbers in Denver. Then we'll know if it was a good decision for NE to let him go.

Guess we finally find out if it was the system or if it was Welker who was responsible for those big numbers. My feeling is that it was a mixture of the two.

If Amendola stays healthy, he's going to contribute, but NE really wants the two tight ends to stay healthy. If Welker still has some gas left in the tank, he could become Peyton's best friend.

With all the talent Baltimore has lost, it could come down to New England vs. Peyton Manning, just like in the old days. This is going to be an interesting season.

They wanted him back ...but at a typical New England discount......thats why they sugnex Welker lite..Amendola. ..problem is Amendola can't stay on the field like Welker could...

QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 09:12 AM ET  03.18 by Sgt. Schultz

They wanted him back ...but at a typical New England discount......thats why they sugnex Welker lite..Amendola. ..problem is Amendola can't stay on the field like Welker could...

**signed Welker lite**

QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 09:02 AM ET  03.18 by Debbie Does

With all the talent Baltimore has lost, it could come down to New England vs. Peyton Manning, just like in the old days. This is going to be an interesting season.

It will be. I really thought Denver was closing the gap on the Patriots. They finally found a guy that looks like he could play defensive tackle. They addressed their weakness at guard. They get Welker. All that gets done before the draft. Draft a good thumper type running back, and they are starting to look like they are set.

And then the fax machine came into play...

QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 09:02 AM ET  03.18 by Debbie Does

With all the talent Baltimore has lost, it could come down to New England vs. Peyton Manning, just like in the old days. This is going to be an interesting season.

BAL has zero shot. They probably won't make the playoffs next year.

QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 08:42 AM ET  03.18 by UtahFriday

Welker has been a dead man walking in New England for two years now. He's better off with the gang in Denver.

True.

QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 09:12 AM ET  03.18 by DarkArmadillo

It will be. I really thought Denver was closing the gap on the Patriots. They finally found a guy that looks like he could play defensive tackle. They addressed their weakness at guard. They get Welker. All that gets done before the draft. Draft a good thumper type running back, and they are starting to look like they are set. And then the fax machine came into play...

Something about Denver that just doesn't sit right with me. They don't have that toughness and hard-nosed edge to them like say the Ravens did this past year. Unless that changes, they get eaten alive in the playoffs again.

QUOTE(#14):

Originally posted 09:57 AM ET  03.18 by JPritch

Something about Denver that just doesn't sit right with me. They don't have that toughness and hard-nosed edge to them like say the Ravens did this past year. Unless that changes, they get eaten alive in the playoffs again.

Minus a major error by their secondary, they beat BAL last year anyway. Of course, if BAL's WR had better hands they would have defeated NE 2 yrs. ago too.

We will find out pretty soon if Brady need Welker, more than Welker needs Brady, My Money is on Brady as long as The Body is Warm!!!!!!

QUOTE(#14):

Originally posted 09:57 AM ET  03.18 by JPritch

Something about Denver that just doesn't sit right with me. They don't have that toughness and hard-nosed edge to them like say the Ravens did this past year. Unless that changes, they get eaten alive in the playoffs again.

Which is why I said closing the gap on the Patriots, not surpassing the Patriots. The playoffs revealed that the Broncos still had some serious holes to fill. That's the legacy of Josh McDaniels, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Denver was addressing those issues, but now the team's second best pass rusher is probably gone.

Your not going to see the same Ravens team this year. Pittsburgh is sliding as well. The Broncos have done well against the Bengals, and the Texans are really the team that goes soft during the playoffs. I think it's a two team race in the AFC.

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 08:57 AM ET  03.18 by Hatrunner

....the agent also misjudged the market. Welker got paid over $9m last year after the Patriots tagged him. ....

The only money that matters in an NFL contract is the guaranteed part. We do not know how much the Patriots ever guaranteed in any offer last year or since. I think his agent played it perfectly. He got the $9 million that was all guaranteed from the tag last year and $12 million guaranteed in his new contract.

Show me a contract out there, not to a QB that has $21 million in guaranteed money paid out over three years and then is UFA in 2015. You will not find it.

Like I have said for a long time-this was personal.

QUOTE(#19):

Originally posted 10:23 AM ET  03.18 by 50yearfan

Like I have said for a long time-this was personal.

It is always about business. $$$$$$$$$$$$