Welker won't hold out

[whitney777]

Unsigned franchise player Wes Welker confirmed Monday that he will not let a holdout extend into the season.
Welker may sit out OTAs and minicamps, but he's not going to miss any real games. "There's $9.5 million reasons why I won't miss any regular season games," he assured. Welker was referencing his one-year franchise tender. It sounds like he's willing to sign the tag long before skipping meaningful action.
Source: Chris Price on Twitter

[whitney777]

Patriots re-signed franchise player Wes Welker to a one-year, $9.515 million contract.
Like the rest of the franchise players around the league, Welker had no viable alternative. It's one thing to hold out in protest of a low contract, but quite another to spurn nearly $10 million. The Pats have until July 16 to work out a long-term deal, but there's been no indication that talks will jumpstart. Welker is now eligible to join his teammates in OTAs, starting next Monday.

Source: Greg Bedard on Twitter

[whitney777]

Wes Welker told the Boston Herald that long-term contract talks with the Patriots have "gotten worse" since he signed his franchise tender.
"There have been talks, but nothing that’s brightened anything at all," he said. "It’s actually gotten worse." Welker was offered a two-year, $16 million deal during the 2011 season, and it would have been fully guaranteed. He says the Patriots' current offer is even lower. It sounds like the Pats want him to play out the season on his $9.515 million tender. Welker insists he's "good with that".

Source: Boston Herald

[whitney777]

According to the Boston Globe, Wes Welker's decision to go public about contract negotiations over the past couple of weeks "has not gone over well with the Patriots."
Welker made the ESPN tour a couple of weeks ago, dropping hints that he would hold out at least through next month's minicamp. The Patriots have subsequently reduced their long-term offer. The Globe believes Welker's actions have "only increased the chances that 2012 will be his final season with the team." Logan Mankins landed a lucrative long-term deal after calling out owner Robert Kraft, though Mankins had more leverage than Welker.

Source: Boston Globe