Monday begins the chance for NFL teams to place the franchise tag on potential free agents, restricting them from shopping around in the open market. The franchise tag is essentially a one-year deal for players. Wide receiver Wes Welker is set to become a free agent this year and according to the Boston Herald, the New England Patriots will opt to not use their franchise tag on Welker and let him test the free agent market.
The Patriots' decision comes becase the cap hit would preclude New England from making major moves this offseason. If they use the franchise tag on Welker for a second-straigh year, he could possibly make $11.4 million in 2013. Welker has been insisting on a new deal for a long time. In 2012, he threatened to hold out until giving in and signing a franchise tender that was a one-year deal of $9.5 million, slightly more than 50 percent of what he had been paid over the previous five seasons.
Since Welker arrived in New England in 2007, he has been one of the most reliable slot recievers on the team. In six years with the team, he has led the league in recpetions three times, earning over 1,165 recieving yards in every season but 2010. He has also put up 1,185 yards of punt returns. Many have claimed the 31-year old wide reciever is begining to drop off in his career. Yet, he has only missed three regular-season games in six seasons. He has led the league in yards after catch and has a low number of dropped passes to his name.
When Welker hits the trade market, he will be hard pressed to find a deal that is offering better than the two-year, $16 million contract he turned down in 2011. But, he is considered the best free agent on the market and some teams might be willing to negotiate. the Patriots are not the kind of team that will offer anything above market value and Welker's choice to never hold out will certainly not help in his negotiating process.
In 2012, Welker was second in the NFL in receptions, eighth in yards and first in yards after catch. The Patriots would be wise to just pay Tom Brady's security blanket the money he is asking for because it is either pay up or say goodbye to one of the team's best offensive weapons.
