Report: Patriots Trade For WR Wes Welker

Wes Welker is now officially a member of the New England Patriots.  In order to avoid the process of restricted free agency, the Patriots and Dolphins came to a trade agreement.

Patriots Receive:

WR Wes Welker

Patriots Give:

2nd round draft pick

7th round draft pick

 Overall, this is a pretty solid deal.  Welker showed some promise last year, snagging 67 catches.  Wes Welker is also very versatile, playing receiver, kicker, and kick returner.  In many ways, I would compare him to Troy Brown, as he is a possession receiver, and has nice speed and nifty moves.  Welker joins a receiving corps of Jabar Gaffney, Reche Caldwell, Chad Jackson, Bam Childress (erfa), Kelvin Kight (erfa),  and Troy Brown (ufa).

Randy Moss Rumors (To Patriots) Heating Up

It just feels like these rumors won’t go away….

To catch people up: Green Bay is the top runner, followed by the Patriots, followed by Jacksonville.  The Raiders are looking for a first round pick, but that’s not what the Packers are offering.  The Packers are offering 2 year quarterback Aaron Rodgers.  Personally, I think the Packers are crazy for giving up their future QB for a receiver who might just feel like not playing, but that’s just me.  Although the Raiders are slightly interested, they’re holding back, still looking for a first round draft pick.  That’s where Bill Belichick comes into play.  According to league sources (whoever wants them, email me to send them to you), Belichick believes that he can reform Randy Moss, and make him want to play.

Here’s my take on Randy Moss

• If he wants to play, he can still be good, even prolific
• The key word there, IF
  • Say the Patriots give up a first rounder for Moss, then Moss turns out to act like he did with the Raiders last year, the Patriots would have gotten screwed
• Even if Moss can get motivation to play, would he be nearly as good as he was with the Vikings, or has he lost a step at age 30

 In my opinion, this trade would be a big risk. Here’s my scenario (feel free to make your own)

• Patriots Trade:
  • 2nd round pick (60th overall)
  • 3rd round pick (92nd overall)
  • 6th round pick
• Patriots Receive:
  • WR Randy Moss
  • 5th round pick

However, I would give some slight consideration to trading the 28th overall pick for Moss, however, not the 24th. However, if someone like Dwayne Jarrett is around at around 15 or higher, I think the Patriots should give up both draft picks (or some other combination) to move up.  Someone like Dwayne Jarrett would add valueble youth and upside whereas Moss no longer has upside (because he has reached his peak potential.) 

                   

Don Davis Is Retiring

11 year veteran lineback Don Davis announced that he is retiring this morning.  Davis was an unrestricted free agent, but most likely would have been brought back if he had wished.  Davis said he was retiring because he didn’t want to endure through another rehab (put on IR last year).

Don Davis was a great special teams player, a good linebacker, a spare safety , and overall, very versatile.  He fit the Patriots system, on and off the field.  In the lockerroom, Don Davis was one of the most emotional leaders for the Patriots.  He vocal but caring attitude gave him a mentor role over some of the younger players on the team, on his way to helping the team win two world championships.

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity meet and talk to Don Davis.  He is one of the nicest players I have ever met.  He was kind, had a good sense of humor, and most importantly, a big heart.  Davis’ presence will surely be missed, and I wish him well in the next phase of his life.