New England Patriots WR Wes Welker could hold out - NFL News
New England Patriots, franchise tagged star wide receiver, Wes Welker, to buy more time to work out a new contract, however, things may get bad quickly as the receiver has still not signed his franchise tender.
Welker was tagged earlier in the month by the franchise as they work on the specifics of the new deal with money remaining an issue for the Patriots.
The tag itself though will cost the franchise $ 10 million and Welker could still holdout over a new deal.
The wide receiver’s agent David Dunn told the Boston Herald that he has no information on whether Welker will hold out over a new deal and refuse to sign the franchise tender.
The Patriots have to work out how to keep Welker at the franchise but owner Robert Kraft is confident that a new deal can be worked out and hopes to keep the 30-year-old at the franchise for the long term.
"Well, our personnel people are here. Wes is, he's another special guy, sorta like BenJarvus (Green-Ellis). I'm happy he's part of our team this year, and I hope he'll be part of our team long-term. He represents everything we love."
Welker had a great 2011-12 season with the New England Patriots as he helped the franchise reach its sixth Super Bowl final under head coach Bill Belichick.
The Patriots ended the season 13-3 and eased their way to the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship game with a comfortable 45-10 victory over Denver Broncos in the division round.
They followed it up with a close 23-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens in the Championship game as quarterback Tom Brady rushed for a last minute touchdown.
In the final the Patriots faced none other than the New York Giants who had defeated them in their last appearance at the big event.
Once again though New England fell short and it was Wes Welker’s dropped catch in the fourth period that turned momentum completely in the favour of the Giants who won the game 21-17.
Welker though had an exceptional season as he covered 1,569 receiving yards and scoring nine touchdowns.
The wide receiver will be again an important part of the Patriots line-up and hopefully will sign the tender to spend at least another year at the franchise.
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