New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker switched agents this offseason, according to Christopher L. Gasper of the Boston Globe.
Citing NFL Players Association records, the Globe is reporting that Welker has replaced Vann McElroy and has hired David Dunn of Athletes First to represent him.
Welker and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel, who was traded from New England this offseason, are reportedly good friends. Cassel is also a Dunn client.
Welker has only completed two years out of a five-year $16.9 million contract, so the timing of the move is interesting.
However, Welker's representation switch isn't a preemptive move before possibly lobbying for a new contract, according to Gasper.
It sounds like it may just be a case of a friend making a recommendation.
Last season, Welker caught 111 passes for 1,165 yards and three touchdowns.
Welker is a nice bargain for the Patriots.
He's scheduled to be paid a $1.65 million base salary this season.
Wes Mantooth wants more money.
$16.5 mil AND a JC Penney gift card.
Seems like an uncapped 2010 season - Welker's 4th of 5 seasons under contract, might be a good time for an extension for both sides.
And if I'm Welker I want to take a year to ensure I'm with the right agent before sending him off to negotiate on my behalf..
I'm still amazed Miami gave this guy up.
Thanks.
If anyone in the league deserves a fat raise its W^2.
Sure he plays for the Pats, sure Moss is lined up on the other side, but Welker is a premier WR in the league. All the guy does is catch everything, force mismatches and move the chains. He is an extremely effective blocker and gives 100% every single play.
maybe, welker's switching of client was one of his hints that he'd like to join mat cassell in the chiefs, LOL
Welker was an absolute steal for the Patriots. I remember when Welker was with the Dolphins and they played the Pats.....Welker was an absolute pain-in-the-ass. He is SO SHIFTY it's damned near impossible to get him sometimes. The Pats obviously made note of it and pounced when the opportunity presented itself. GREAT MOVE.
Maybe, welker's switching of agent was one of his move to join mat cassell again..
How does the guy only get 1100 yards after catching 111 balls? I sorted the stats and he's 197 in yards per catch. Overrated. He's probably paid about right....
whatthehellisgoingonoutthere says: July 9, 2009 10:58 PM
How does the guy only get 1100 yards after catching 111 balls? I sorted the stats and he's 197 in yards per catch. Overrated. He's probably paid about right....
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For what he does out on the field, he definitely deserves more than what he gets paid...the pats made an absolute steal though. They knew how to use him. He just flourishes so well in the pats spread offense, a system he's been for years during his texas tech career
"Asante's a great player, so it hurts not to have a guy like that. But then again, it's part of the business of the game," Welker said. "He chose money over championships, and that's the way it goes sometimes."
MMMMmmmmmm.... HYPOCRITE!!!!
The Patriots could double Welker's pay and
they would still be getting a bargain for his
services. He was a great player for Miami
also but Randy Mueller the GM at the time
was to stupid to realize it. Fans still express
regret over the trade in their blogs to local
newspapers in Miami.
@whatthehell... 10 yards per catch is fine by me. not every play can be a 30 yard pass and throw. this guy does more on a football field that goes unnoticed by most.
Welker is a slot receiver, not a deep threat. They don't need him to run 30 yard routes, they've got Moss for that. They need him to run 8 yard routes and catch 100+ balls each year. While Welker is significantly underpaid, it will likely be at least 2 years before the Patriots give him an extension. They need to worry about upcoming unrestricted free agents like Wilfork and Seymour (although they might not re-sign Seymour), as well as restricted free agents like Gostkowski.