New England Patriots Confirm Wes Welker To Be Franchised

According to sources, the New England Patriots will use their franchise tag on wide receiver Wes Welker as expected.

In 2011, the 30-year-old recently engaged Welker hauled in 122 receptions for 1,569 yards and nine touchdowns during the regular season. In the playoffs he caught 19 passes for 168 yards and one touchdown.  Welker’s 122 receptions led the NFL and he, along with Cris Carter, are the only two players in history with at least two seasons of more than 120 receptions.

Welker had little impact in the Patriots Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants as he only had two receptions for 21 yards. His drop late in the fourth quarter could have potentially sealed the victory for the Patriots. In my opinion, quarterback Tom Brady’s pass was off-target which forced Welker to readjust his body to try and make the catch. However, it did hit him in the hands and according to Cris Collinsworth Welker makes that catch “100 out of 100 times.”

Several players and coaches have since stated publicly it was not Welker’s fault and the team would not have even been in the Super Bowl if it was not for his superb contributions throughout the season.

The deadline for NFL teams to use their franchise tags on select players is Monday, March 5 at 4 p.m. ET.