During the offseason, quarterback Tom Brady lost his favorite target. The New England Patriots failed to sign Wes Welker to a contract extension and as a result, Welker left the Patriots and now plays for the Denver Broncos. While Brady was angered that the team failed to hang on to one of the most reliable receivers in the league, he said he was not surprised that Welker eventually left.
"I don't think anything surprises me anymore in the NFL. I've been around long enough to see things happen at different times with the greatest players of all, whether that's Wes or Randy Moss being traded by the Raiders or Brett Favre and playing for the Jets and Vikings," Brady said what speaking to a local Boston radio station.
Brady has long been vocal about his overall appreciation and admiration for Welker. the receiver totaled more receptions than any other receiver during the past six seasons in the NFL. Last season, Welker recorded yet another over 1,000 yards receiving season with 1,354 yards and six touchdowns. Now, he will take those talents out West and play under another great quarterback, Peyton Manning.
While Brady would not address his feelings over the move in detail, he admits that he was disappointed, but recognizes that he does not make the decisions for the team.
"These things aren't up to me. At some point you've got to realize the things that are out of your control, you'e just got to let go, focus on my job and what I need to do," Brady said.
While the duo now plays miles apart from each other, Brady stresses that they still keep in touch. He will not let the nature of the business get in the way of a person that he has become great friends with over the years.
"Nobody appreciated Wes more than I did and what he was able to accomplish for our team. He's moved on; he's in a good situation with another great team and great quarterback. We always kind of kept in touch, we always will. He's one of my best friends," Brady said.
Now that quarterback moves on to 2013 after signing a three-year contract extension through 2017. It was a move that created $15 million in cap space over the next two years. As the team begins OTAs, he is focused on building chemistry with new receiver Danny Amendola who the team hopes becomes similar to Welker.
