Contract negotiations with New England Patriots have gotten "worse" for WR Wes Welker - NFL News
New England Patriots wide receiver, Wes Welker, on Tuesday let go of his only bargaining chip with the franchise after he signed his franchise tender to participate in the team’s Organised Team Activities (OTA’s).
Speaking to the Boston Herald on Thursday, Welker said that signing his $ 9.5 million tender has now made negotiations with the Patriots worse.
“There have been talks, but nothing that’s brightened anything at all. It’s actually gotten worse.”
Welker was out of a contract at the end of last season and negotiations over a new deal had remained stalled.
The 31-year-old was placed on the franchise tag by New England to keep him from testing free agency while also delaying the deadline to July 16 before which a new contract had to be signed.
Like many other players engaged in contract disputes with their teams, Welker could have refused to sign the tender and holdout of training camps but he did not take that route as he wants to prove to the Patriots that he deserves a new deal.
“If they see me out there at OTAs and minicamps and everything else, and I’m still out there winning and doing what I need to do to help the team win, you know what, the ball’s in their court to make something happen. That’s kind of my mindset. To go out
and show them I deserve it.”
If a new deal cannot be agreed upon by both parties, Welker will earn $ 9.5 million on the one year tender.
The wide receiver, is not too worried about his contract now and says he will play on the tender if he has to.
“The ball’s in their court. I just want to play. At the end of the day, if it’s one year, $9.5 million, it’s one year, $9.5 million. I’m good with that.”
Welker put up some of his best numbers last season as he helped the Patriots to another Super Bowl appearance.
The wide receiver, made 122 receptions for a gain of 1,569 yards and scored nine touchdowns.
OTA’s for New England start next week and Welker is sure to take full advantage of the opportunity to show the franchise’s management that he deserves a new deal.
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