Wes Welker is not the Patriots’ franchise player and he shouldn’t expect to see a franchise tag this offseason.
According to the Boston Herald, a source with knowledge of the team’s thinking said the Patriots are not going to place an $11.4 million franchise tag on Welker, which could lead to the 31-year-old wide receiver finding a new home after playing the past six seasons in New England.
Welker had threatened to hold out before last season, but signed a franchise tender with the team for one year for $9.515 million. When he signed the deal on May 15, Welker tweeted, “I love the game and I love my teammates! Hopefully doing the right thing gets the right results. #leapoffaith.”
As part of a five-year deal Welker signed when joining the Patriots, the five-time Pro Bowler made $2.15 million in 2011, while Chad Ochocinco caught 15 passes to the tune of $6 million.
Welker has missed three games during his tenure with the Patriots, averaging 112 receptions and 1,243 yards, including last season’s totals of 118 catches, 1,354 yards and six touchdowns. Julian Edelman, his potential replacement, has missed 10 games the past two seasons and caught 21 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns last season.