The New England Patriots are trying to resume things as normal while preparing for the potential of playing their first four games of 2015 without Tom Brady. The pressure is on the remaining offensive players to step up while Jimmy Garoppolo moves into the starting role. While the Patriots feel very confident they have a roster that will contend with or without Brady, could one more addition be in the works?
Currently out of a job, Wes Welker admits a return to the Patriots would not be the worst thing in the world. Welker of course built his reputation at the arm of Brady and then failed to continue it with Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. After two seasons they opted not to bring the wide receiver back who suffered more concussions than touchdowns. Now medically cleared, Welker is looking for a team and would pick up the phone if New England called.
"I wouldn't be opposed to it. It's a great organization, obviously, and a great team. It wouldn't be the worst situation in the world," Welker said on 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich show. "At times you're sitting there and thinking, 'Well maybe I should [retire].' I think it's just people kind of [pressuring you], but the more you think about it, and you're away from it, I'm not ready to [retire]. I still feel good. I still feel like I have some really good football left in me. I've always said [I'll play] until the wheels fall off."
The question is whether or not the Patriots like the idea of bringing Welker back and do they need him? New England was connected with top free agents like Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson, but never made a serious move. They benefitted from the rise of Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell while putting faith in Danny Amendola for another year. If they have not made a move for Welker or any other free agents, the chances are slim they take a second glance.
Could a running back be in the picture? According to an article by SI.com, the Patriots were listed as a team potentially interested in Ray Rice. LeGarrette Blount will be suspended a game and no one else is really a home run player. ESPN's Mike Rodak shot down the idea that any team was interested in the running back as his future in the NFL is being put into serious question especially if he sits out the year.
For now the Patriots are focused on developing Garropolo into a potential starter. The early reports are positive. According to the Boston Herald, he and Brady are splitting first-team reps and the backup is slowly gaining confidence as a potential starting quarterback.
"I'm just going out to practice every day, trying to improve, trying to get my teammates better, get me better, and we'll go from there," Garoppolo said, via the Boston Herald. "There's a ton to improve on. I've got a long way to go."
