Welker Expects More

What a surprise, New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker will be entering the final year of his contract and expects a contract extension with more money. Oh wait, I’m sorry I got that wrong. Wes Welker is entering the final year of his contract and expects a contract extension, but expects more from himself. That’s right Welker wants and extension but according to Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald, he says he doesn’t necessarily deserve more.

“I think everybody wants a new deal, but I wouldn’t say anything I did this past year would warrant one or anything like that,” Welker told the Herald Monday.

When one looks at the numbers it’s hard to argue. 86 catches for 848 yards and 7 touchdowns. Pretty damn good for most receivers, but not for one of Welker’s caliber. In the previous three seasons he averaged, 115 receptions for 1,229 of course all prior to injuring his knee. In 2009/10, before that injury he had 123 receptions in only 14 games.

So yes, compared to prior seasons, Welker looks like a player on the decline and a guy not worth a high priced extension. In reality thou, I think those 2010/11 numbers give more reason that he should get such an extension.

Most players take one to two years to fully recover from a torn ACL, let alone a torn ACL AND MCL! Welker he was back on the field in time for summer training camp, just months after surgery. He even showed up in great shape and worked right back into the regular rotation. That’s pretty freaking impressive.

Now don’t get me wrong he did show, at many times, that he was still a player recovering from a major knee injury. The speed and cutting ability that he relies on just wasn’t there. If there is a 2011 season he should be closer to his normal self and I’m sure he’s hoping for that. If and when it returns he’ll get an even bigger payday with that extension.

Regardless it’s impressive to see a player holding himself to standards. It’s very rare to see a player say he doesn’t think his performance calls for a new payday. By his comments I’m sure he’ll work his ass off and be just as good as ever.

“You know what? For me, I feel like it was a disappointing year for myself,” Welker said. “I feel like I didn’t play my best ball. And I’m sure there are a lot of factors that come into that. Having that kind of year definitely drives me. It makes me want to be better than I was. You go into an offseason thinking about what you can do to get better, and there’s plenty of things I can do to have a better year.”

“It’s been over a year and a half straight of getting after it, so I’m ready for a break,” Welker said. “But then I need to get back to work. The knee feels great and everything, but it can definitely get better and stronger. I just think my body as a whole needs to get back in tip-top shape. It’s hard to do that when you’re trying to take it easy on your knee, or you don’t run because your knee’s bothering you. So I think I’ll be able to push my body more in the offseason to get ready for next season.”

Patriots fans don’t worry thou. If he comes back in the best shape of his career he won’t leave you for a huge payday. He sounds like a guy who loves playing for the organization and after his comments about getting an extension, you almost have to believe him.

“This is where I really kind of showed myself in this league,” Welker said. “I love New England. I love being a Patriot. I think anyone who has ever played here wants to stay here.”

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Tags: New England Patriots, NFL, Wes Welker