This past offseason the Patriots had a chance to lock up Wes Welker to a long-term agreement. Instead, they offered him what was in essence a 1 year contract. Proving that his past 5 years in New England were no accident, Welker has put up huge numbers again this year and is showing his deservance of a multi-year deal.
The Patriots traded for Welker before the 2007 season. If you recall, that team is the only one in NFL history to have a 16-0 regular season. Since that time, Welker has been named to 4 Pro Bowls, has 4 All Pro selections, led the league in receptions 3 times, led the league in receiving yards once, holds the record for longest reception in NFL history and was the fastest receiver to record 500 catches for one team.
Just check out these stats from his Patriots tenure:
2007- 112 receptions, 1175 yards, 8 TDs
2008- 111 receptions, 1165 yards, 3 TDs
2009- 123 receptions, 1348 yards, 4 TDs
2010 (came back early from MCL/ACL injury) - 86 receptions, 848 yards, 7 TDs
2011- 122 receptions, 1569 yards, 9 TDs
2012 (through 12 games)- 92 receptions, 1064 yards, 4 TDs
He also holds Patriots team records for most receptions, most receptions in a season, most receiving yards in a season, most seasons with 100+ receptions, best receiving yards per game average and he has even more in his sights. He is only 31 years old and as a slot receiver he is more likely to age gracefully then to fall off the map.
I know Belichick thinks no one is untouchable (see: Richard Seymour, Asante Samuel, Deion Branch) but there is no replacing Wes Welker. Give him 3 years, $36 million -- whatever it takes. Get. A. Deal. Done.
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