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5 Players the New England Patriots gave up on way too early

By Sravan Gannavarapu

Curtis Martin #28 of the New England Patriots (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Curtis Martin #28 of the New England Patriots (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 20: Wes Welker, #83 of the New England Patriots, runs with the ball after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during the 2013 AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium on January 20, 2013, in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 20: Wes Welker, #83 of the New England Patriots, runs with the ball after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during the 2013 AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium on January 20, 2013, in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Letting Wes Welker leave after the 2012 season

Contrary to what many believe, Wes Welker wasn’t exactly a hot-shot receiver before he arrived in New England. When he left, a big hole was created that ultimately was filled by Julian Edelman. Welker arrived before the 2007 season for a pair of second-round picks, and the Patriots’ offense exploded, going on a historic tear and creating a bond between QB and WR.

Though Super Bowl XLVI will engulf the mind, Welker made several big catches throughout his tenure. He even helped the Broncos make Super Bowl XLVIII in his first season in town, but the Seahawks historically demolished Denver. It worked out but imagine Wes and Julian playing at their peaks together with Brady. Oh, what could have been?

No. 1: Letting Curtis Martin go after the 1997 season

Woof. This is by far the biggest mistake. Martin, a Hall of Famer, joining Bill Parcells with the Jets? Yeah, that’s by far worse than Law or anyone else on this list. Martin was part of the Super Bowl XXXI team that ultimately fell against Brett Favre, Desmond Howard, Reggie White, and the Green Bay Packers.

Martin ran for over 1,200 in six seasons with the Jets and got three Pro Bowls. A total of over 10,000 yards and 58 touchdowns while wearing green. The Patriots haven’t had a Hall of Fame running back like that in forever, and they let him go to the enemy. It’s probably the one move outside the Brady leaving saga that still sticks in Robert Kraft’s mind.

Next. 10 current players bound for the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot. dark

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