In the most shocking twist of free agency, the long time Patriots wide receiver is taking his 100 plus receptions a year to Denver, making the Broncos the odds on favorites to play in East Rutherford in February for Super Bowl XLVIII.
Welker inked a two-year $12 million deal with the Broncos, a contract offer that, apparently, Welker took back to New England and asked them to match. They never did.
The fact that the Patriots were not willing to match a two-year deal to keep Tom Brady's favorite target speaks volumes about how coach Bill Belichick burns ties and bridges with people who help him to the top. Just ask the Jets about how Belichick burns bridges.
Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady was plenty PO'ed that the Patriots front office didn't keep his favorite target. He should be. Welker caught 561 passes from Brady during their six-year stint together, including an additional 69 receptions in the playoffs.
It is fair to say that maybe the Patriots grew tired of Welker after he failed to come up with a key third down reception in Super Bowl XLVI that gave the ball back to the Giants with time to drive and win the game. Welker had a similar drop in the AFC title game this season that seemed to turn the fortunes in favor of the Ravens.
Now in Denver, Welker will join a receiving corps that has Eric Decker, Demarious Thomas, and Brandon Stockley. He will likely take a lot of targets away from Stockley this season, but no matter, with Peyton Manning dishing out the football the Broncos offense will be very hard to stop this season.
As for the Patriots, they settled for oft-injured wide receiver Danny Amendola to a insane five-year $31 million contract. Amendola, while his is a slot receiver who can put up big numbers, he never stays healthy.
In 2011 he dislocated his left elbow, and, later tore his tricep muscle and never saw the field that year. Last season he missed five games after injuring his collar bone. He is brittle, and will be a big risk on plays that were natural for Welker.
In short, the entire AFC is laughing at the New England Patriots.
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