New England Patriots and Wes Welker Still At Odds

Nov 11, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker (83) reacts after missing a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Well the New England Patriots finally made Wes Welker an offer, they extended the olive branch so to speak. The offer however is apparently lower than Welker liked or expected according to NFL Network’s Albert Breer.

"“Word around the league is the Patriots’ offer to Welker came in substantially lower than expected, and he’s seriously considering bolting NE”"

In all reality this doesn’t really surprise me, and shouldn’t surprise anyone. The Patriots think they’re successful because of the system first, and that players are rotating parts that they can succeed with or with out. Look at their history with running backs. They bring someone in for a few years, replace them. They’ve done it with receivers, linebackers and secondary.

The Patriots made Wes Welker, and Wes Welker succeeded because of the Patriots system and use of him. Unfortunately there is a virtual clone of him out there in Danny Amendola, who is cheaper and younger.

I mean, Texas Tech, short, fast very similar to Welker and could succeed in that role. Of course with the Patriots directing more of their passing attack through their tight end tandem of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, they wouldn’t need Amendola to put up quite the same numbers as Welker did.

Welker even complained early last season that he wasn’t getting the attention in the scheme that he wanted. You could bring in Amendola if you’re targeting who ever is in that role less.