PDA

View Full Version : Pats going strong sign Miami's Welker to offer sheet



PaCkFan_n_MD
03-03-2007, 03:00 PM
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Already more active than usual in the early stages of free agency, as evidenced by their agreement with standout unrestricted linebacker Adalius Thomas, the New England Patriots are poised to make another bold move.


A team source told ESPN.com on Saturday that the Patriots plan to sign Miami wide receiver Wes Welker, a three-year veteran and an explosive all-around performer, to a restricted free agent offer sheet in an attempt to pirate him away from the Dolphins.


The Dolphins earlier this week made Welker a qualifying offer of $1.3 million.


When the Patriots officially execute the offer sheet to Welker, the Dolphins will have seven days to either match it or pass on it. If Miami matches the offer sheet, it will retain Welker at the terms of the deal New England negotiated with him. If the Dolphins do not match the offer sheet, they will receive a second-round pick in the 2007 draft from the Patriots as compensation.


Surrendering a second-round choice for a player of Welker's abilities would be viewed in most quarters, but especially in New England, as a steal. Welker would dramatically upgrade the New England wide receiver corps and the Pats would also benefit by taking him away from a division opponent.

Plus, the Patriots own a pair of first-round choices in the 2007 draft, and can afford to part with a second-round selection for a player of Welker's skills.


Welker, 25, is a terrific, if unheralded playmaker who has earned a spot on the ESPN.com "all unsung" team each of the past two seasons. Used principally as a return specialist in his first two seasons in the league, Welker emerged as a viable receiving threat in 2006, with 67 catches for 687 yards and a touchdown.


The former Texas Tech standout originally entered the NFL with San Diego in 2004 as an undrafted college free agent. He was waived by the Chargers early in the 2004 season and signed with the Dolphins shortly thereafter.


In 47 appearances, including three starts, Welker has 96 receptions for 1,121 yards and one touchdown. He has returned 170 kickoffs for an average of 22.7 yards and one touchdown and has 127 punt returns for a 9.7-yard average and one score.


Securing the services of restricted free agents historically has proved to be a difficult undertaking with the current system. In the 14 previous years of free agency, only 55 restricted free agents changed teams. Four restricted free agents changed teams in 2006.

In another move aimed at bolstering their offense, the Patriots on Saturday reached agreement with unrestricted free agent tailback Sammy Morris, who played the last three seasons for the Miami Dolphins. Morris will provide an experienced backup to youngster Laurence Maroney and could compensate for the release of Corey Dillon earlier this week.

A seven-year veteran, Morris has carried 374 times for 1,469 yards and 14 touchdowns and has 112 catches for 792 yards and one score. Morris, 29, also is an excellent special teams performer.

Charles Woodson
03-03-2007, 03:01 PM
Nice pick up here

PaCkFan_n_MD
03-03-2007, 03:02 PM
Nice pick up here

I agree, although Miami can still match the offer.

Charles Woodson
03-03-2007, 03:06 PM
Nice pick up here

I agree, although Miami can still match the offer.

Yea i know but why didnt Miami tender Welker higher?

Tony Oday
03-03-2007, 03:14 PM
I dont think he is really worth a second to tell ya the truth. He is a decent return guy gets a lot of yards doing that and a gritty slashing 3rd WR not much better. I think you can get better value for a second rounder.

PaCkFan_n_MD
03-03-2007, 03:17 PM
Nice pick up here

I agree, although Miami can still match the offer.

Yea i know but why didnt Miami tender Welker higher?

Becuase am sure they didn't really think some team would be even willing to give a seond for him. If am Miami I take the pick.

Rastak
03-03-2007, 03:20 PM
Maybe the offer says that if he plays in Florida the deal is fully gaurenteed...... :D

HarveyWallbangers
03-03-2007, 03:56 PM
Welker for a 2nd seems a little steep.

Rastak
03-03-2007, 04:34 PM
Welker for a 2nd seems a little steep.


I agree, he's a nice role player to me....a 2nd is too high.

Lurker64
03-03-2007, 04:37 PM
Is anybody going to sign RFAs to serious offer sheets without poison pills? Used to be, that could be considered dirty pool, but there's really no reason not to these days.

the_idle_threat
03-03-2007, 04:42 PM
Welker for a 2nd seems a little steep.


I agree, he's a nice role player to me....a 2nd is too high.

I'd be inclined to agree, even though I've paid attention to Welker for the past two seasons and I have a lot of respect for him.

However, as you have just pointed out, Rastak, overpaying is a relative thing. The Pats have 2 first-round picks, and can probably better afford to part with their second-rounder than most teams. They're a playoff team already with a specific need at receiver, and Welker is the type of versatile try-hard veteran guy that Belichick gets a lot of production from. Overall, it looks like a good pickup for them (if it happens), and from a division rival no less.

Rastak
03-03-2007, 04:44 PM
Welker for a 2nd seems a little steep.


I agree, he's a nice role player to me....a 2nd is too high.

I'd be inclined to agree, even though I've paid attention to Welker for the past two seasons and I have a lot of respect for him.

However, as you have just pointed out, Rastak, overpaying is a relative thing. The Pats have 2 first-round picks, and can probably better afford to part with their second-rounder than most teams. They're a playoff team already with a specific need at receiver, and Welker is the type of versatile try-hard veteran guy that Belichick gets a lot of production from. Overall, it looks like a good pickup for them (if it happens), and from a division rival no less.


Yea, I forgot about that second 1st round pick...that does mitigate it somewhat. Good point.

packerbacker1234
03-03-2007, 06:27 PM
There trying to reload to get back to the SB.

Too long have they had to live on Tom Brady making that game winning drive or the defense getting that game winning stop.

They want to be a powerhouse, a team thats up by a few scores late.

Good luck to them. ALl this money could hurt them down the road.