APThe spotlight of speculation regarding the target of Colts owner Jim Irsay’s Twitter trade chatter has scanned all corners of the NFL. To date, no specific name has emerged clearly and reliably as the most likely player to possibly become the latest member of Indy’s team.
Some have suggested that the Patriots could be sending receiver Wes Welker to their once-and-possibly-future arch-rivals, a suggestion that gathered momentum after Welker was held out of practice on Thursday and out of the Patriots’ preseason game on Friday. Although Welker fits the picture that Irsay painted (high draft pick as compensation, “serious vet/starter”), Irsay wouldn’t be breaking out the checkbook for Welker.
Irsay wouldn’t, because Irsay couldn’t. Welker is a franchise player. After July 16, he can’t sign a long-term deal with the Patriots, or anyone else.
While it doesn’t make a trade impossible, it makes a new contract impossible until the end of the 2012 regular season. Which makes it very hard to justify sacrificing a high pick without any protection beyond the coming season.
That same reasoning applies to any other franchise players who are operating under one-year tenders, like Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe.
Whoever it is, no one is talking. Except for Irsay. But he’s not talking enough for anyone to make complete sense of it.
Then again, on Twitter, Irsay rarely does.
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Wes Welker is the most overrated WR in the league.
I say it is Welker !
I don’t see how you break the bank for a player like Welker. He’s a good player, but not worth big dollars.
Aaannd queue the next 75 comments about he’s the worst owner, chats like a 16 year old girl, drafted the wrong QB, and sucks in general.
Hate all you want, but the Colts will be back. I personally like that the media circus is on the Jets rather than my Colts. Under the radar is where we like to be. COLTSTRONG!
Actually, I like Irsay and his persona.
He is a little weird but he tells the fans what could be going on. He’s a likable version of Jerry Jones.
Under the media? The jets? You really are a jackass not a colt. Every other post is about the colts. When was the last jets post? Jackass!
It’s Maurice Jones-Drew. I’m sure Irsay remembers how acquiring Edge helped relieve pressure off a young Peyton Manning.
I thought it was reported here a couple days ago that a person “with knowledge of the situation” said the
player Irsay is discussing is a cornerback?
Why then all the WR speculation?
Welker is only the player that he is because of Tom Brady. Put him on another team with a lesser QB and he’d be an average possession receiver. That this guy is holding out for huge bucks is a joke.
@laeaglefan
I guess 2008 never happened then, eh? 111 catches, no Brady.
@laeaglefan
Welker isn’t holding out for anything. He is under contract by the Pats through 2012. Way to stay informed
2013
Child please, Wes Welker ain’t going anywhere.
So trading for a guy with a $9mil salary this year wouldn’t require a checkbook to be opened?
You’re reaching.
I’m going to guess it’s Percy Harvin…