It is hard to think the Denver Broncos could part ways with Wes Welker just one season after acquiring the wide receiver in free agency from the New England Patriots. However, that might become a reality considering the team's financial constraints entering the NFL offseason. Welker is owed a bit of money coming up and considering the Broncos have other free agency decisions on their hands, could he be the first cap casualty?
Welker is owed a $3 million roster bonus at the end of March. He is coming off a season where he suffered two concussions that caused his numbers to drop in the postseason. Considering Welker is turning 33 in May, is he worth the money on his deal. According to head coach John Fox, the veteran is worth every penny.
"Wes Welker is under contract, so I don't think it's a tremendous decision," Fox said, via the Denver Post. "I always tell guys, don't let anybody define you, that includes me. Wes, I think, has proven to be a very productive receiver in this league, whether that's as a (No.) 1, 2 or 3, I've never really totally understood that - I understand the phrases, but we just let 'em compete, and he's never been short on that."
While Fox says keeping Welker is not a tremendous decision, it actually is if the Broncos want to make other moves. Welker is an $8 million salary cap hit next season. Denver wants to pursue a top receiver in the offseason. That could either include re-signing Eric Decker or chasing after someone like Julian Edelman. Both receivers will request a top-dollar deal. Is Welker worth keeping if it comes at the expense of another productive player?
In one season with the Broncos, he put up 778 yards and 10 touchdowns. Those numbers are down from what he was putting up with the New England Patriots, but Peyton Manning also spread the ball out more than Tom Brady did in New England.
There is certainly a case for keeping Welker. He is still a dynamic threat on the field no matter what. If Decker does depart, bringing back Welker, Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas still gives Manning three of his four top receivers on the field for another year.
