The relationship between Wes Welker and the New England Patriots is not a good one. Welker is a potential free agent and in the midst of negotiating a new contract with the team. Considered one of the best free agents to hit the market this offseason, Welker is in search of a big pay day. Welker went from an undrafted rookie to the Patriots best offensive weapon and he intends on being paid like such. After back and forth negotiations, Welker now intends on test the free agent market before making a decision with the Patriots.
Free agency begins March 12 so there is still time Welker and the team could reach an agreement. The Patriots used the franchise tag on Welker last year, earning him $9.5 million on the year. The team decided not to use the tag on him this year. Welker would have been entitled to a 20 percent raise from his 2012 salary if the Patriots had tagged him, earning Welker at least $11.4 million.
Welker is deserving of a large payout from the team. In six seasons, he has become Tom Brady's favorite target. He has caught 672 passes for 7,459 yards and 37 touchdowns. He has led the league in catches three times and he became the first player in NFL history with five 11-catch seasons and has an average of 112 catches a season with the Patriots.
Welker's reported trust issues with the Patriots are now preventing him from signing a long-term contract with the team in the near future. After he refused the team's offered contract in 2011, it was rumored that head coach Bill Belichick was attempting to push Welker out of the spotlight and lower his time on the field.
If Welker does not resign with the Patriots, almost every team in the league will be in search of his services. A premier slot receiver, Welker can play in almost every offense. The Carolina Panthers have been in search of a new receiver to help surround quarterback Cam Newton with more talent. The Houston Texans have been looking for a good middle option to pair with deep threat receiver Andre Johnson.
It is all a matter of who will offer Welker the most money. After six premier seasons with the Patriots, Welker wants to be paid like the best receiver in the league. It is a strong possibility he ends up signing back on with the Patriots, but not before they raise the price of the contract.