Tagging Welker
In accordance with the reports that have circled for weeks, Wes Welker has been assigned the franchise tag by the Patriots. Nothing new to report. He will receive 9.4 Million in guaranteed dollars if and when he signs the agreement.
Welker's reaction to the tag might be negative, and he may choose to show his displeasure with the move by skipping offseason workouts or possibly holding out into the regular season, as we saw with the disgruntled Logan Mankins.
It is not the considerable pay day that may bother Wes, but rather the uncertainty of the situation in years to come. Players want contract security, and they want the opportunity to test the free agent market. The franchise tag designation prevents Welker from hearing offers from other teams. Also, being a 1-year deal, Welker must endure the pressure of playing in a "contract year" again. An injury could derail his career at this point, and this is why many players do not like the idea of the franchise tag, it gives owners too much leverage to keep players.
All in all, I don't think that Welker will hold out or be publicly disgruntled. He is not that type of guy. I am sure that he appreciates the significant pay raise, and he is glad to be back with Tom Brady. In fact, this situation might increase the size of the already massive chip on Welker's diminutive shoulder. After all that he has done for the Patriots, he is under-appreciated. I am confident that he will come to work and give 100%. He might have another career year, and redeem himself for the moment that he himself magnified after the Super Bowl.
The Patriots released the following statement on Wes Welker being assigned the franchise tag:
Welker's reaction to the tag might be negative, and he may choose to show his displeasure with the move by skipping offseason workouts or possibly holding out into the regular season, as we saw with the disgruntled Logan Mankins.
It is not the considerable pay day that may bother Wes, but rather the uncertainty of the situation in years to come. Players want contract security, and they want the opportunity to test the free agent market. The franchise tag designation prevents Welker from hearing offers from other teams. Also, being a 1-year deal, Welker must endure the pressure of playing in a "contract year" again. An injury could derail his career at this point, and this is why many players do not like the idea of the franchise tag, it gives owners too much leverage to keep players.
All in all, I don't think that Welker will hold out or be publicly disgruntled. He is not that type of guy. I am sure that he appreciates the significant pay raise, and he is glad to be back with Tom Brady. In fact, this situation might increase the size of the already massive chip on Welker's diminutive shoulder. After all that he has done for the Patriots, he is under-appreciated. I am confident that he will come to work and give 100%. He might have another career year, and redeem himself for the moment that he himself magnified after the Super Bowl.
The Patriots released the following statement on Wes Welker being assigned the franchise tag:
"Wes Welker is a remarkable football player for our team and has been a vital component to our offense and special teams since we traded for him in 2007. Utilizing the franchise designation allows both sides more time to try to reach an agreement, which is the goal. Wes remains a contractual priority and we are hopeful that he will remain a Patriot for years to come."
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