Once a prolific receiver on the field, Wes Welker was every fantasy player’s dream pick. An all out slot receiver, Welker assisted the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos to Super Bowl status. He’s a five-time Pro Bowler who holds the record for the most receptions by an undrafted free agent in NFL history. Welker’s career stats read like this: 890 receptions, 9,822 receiving yards and 50 touchdowns. He would be an asset on any team. But it just might be time for Wes Welker to hang up his cleats.
However, that doesn’t seem to be the case as Welker is 34 years old and a remains a free agent. The Denver Broncos chose not to resign him after the 2014 season. This would be have been his 11th year playing in the NFL. He has suffered numerous injuries during those years, including a torn MCL and ACL in 2009 with the Patriots, followed in 2013-2014 by a neck injury and several concussions with the Broncos. Let us also not forget the 2014 suspension for violating the NFL drug policy.
With all this being said, Welker’s playing talent has not diminished, but it is his age and concussion status that has him unsigned. Welker could still perform well as a punt return specialist due to his ability to cut in and out of defenders and take off running. Even though he has stated that he is willing to return to the Patriots there might be too much drama between him and head coach Bill Belichick.
Remember in 2013, Welker stated that “It was just kind of hard, one of those deals where you have to endure him, put up with him…But he does it to everybody, it’s the way he is.” Then there was the incident 2014 when Welker, as a Bronco, bulldozed Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib, taking him out of the game. Belichick was livid and wanted the league to discipline Welker for the hit, which never happened.
Would Belichick be willing to let bygones-be-bygones or will he stick to his prize wide receiver Julian Edelman and leave Welker as a distant memory?
Currently, the Patriots have eleven wide receivers, which includes Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Jonathan Krause and Brandon LaFell. It just doesn’t make sense for the Patriots to spend cap money on another wide receiver. Besides, Belichick will be more concerned about backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo under center then Welker’s need to play.
There is no doubt that Welker may someday be in the Hall of Fame, as he has earned it. He definitely has a few years left of hardcore adrenaline to make a difference on a team. Don’t be surprised if the Patriots add Welker during the preseason. Welker can play in Belichick’s system. Truth be told, it is Welker who needs him, not Belichick.
With numerous concussions and the possibility of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) lurking around the corner, he may just have to hang up his cleats and enjoy his achievements, but only if no one comes knocking on the door.
