Wes Welker, Broncos Reach Deal
Wes Welker didn’t stay a free agent for very long. Hours after news broke that he was low-balled by the Patriots and walking away, he has signed a two year deal with the Denver Broncos.
Signing Wes Welker shows the Broncos wanted more talent for Peyton Manning to throw to. Welker will replace Brandon Stokely on the Broncos. Last year Stokely caught 45 passes as the slot receiver. He’s 36-years-old.
Last year Wes Welker caught 118 passes, and notched 1,354 yards last year, the second highest total of his career. Two years ago Welker notched 1,569 yards. Both accomplishments came after he turned 30. He’s a pretty significant upgrade over Stokely.
The two year deal is worth $12 million. It has not been disclosed what has been guaranteed or what incentives there are. The low-ball offer from the Patriots was two years and $10 million, with incentives.
Tom Brady, who just signed a three year extension with the Patriots, loses his favorite wide receiver in New England. Albert Breer wonders via Twitter if the Patriots made the choice to keep Aaron Hernandez over Welker, believing the younger tight end will yield more reward in the future.
It’s not surprising Wes Welker jumped ship after feeling cheated. He was unhappy with his early season benching last year and has long felt he deserved to be paid like an elite receiver. At 32-years-old it would be hard to find a team willing to pay Welker Percy Harvin money, but he will be making comparable money to Anquan Boldin.
Here are Albert Breers tweets breaking news of the Wes Welker deal to the Broncos:
Wes Welker has agreed to terms with the Denver Broncos, per team source.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 13, 2013
My understanding is the Patriots’ final and only recent offer was $10M over two years with incentives. Didn’t make a big effort to keep him.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 13, 2013
The hard truth here is that, deep down, I think the Patriots felt like having Aaron Hernandez and Wes Welker both at big $$ was redundant.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 13, 2013
With the news Wes Welker is a officially a Bronco, Denver becomes the clear favorite to win the AFC in 2013. The Broncos already had an explosive offense, and the addition of Welker only makes it more explosive. Broncos’ fans should be excited.
Are you surprised Wes Welker signed so quickly? Is he a good fit in Denver?
