Typically, even agents, hire other lawyers to review their work as part of due diligence, but often what they don’t do is enough research on ALL the various aspects of the profession, including collateral influences, that would affect the market, the client and the team. The theory that perception is reality does not apply to the negotiating process for pro athletes, especially in the NFL. Knowing what typically happens throughout the process, and how much time, energy and resources would be required for an agent to be in the best position to give the best advice, I am inclined to believe that Welker’s agent simply fell into the “comfort level” trap and came up short on gathering intelligence. He clearly did not search out a better view (bigger picture) of the market and the trending of values at various positions. Obviously, the Patriots DID. And they simply couldn’t wait for Wes or his agent to get up to speed.

Both sides are doing damage control as a result. The team is having to deal with the PR fallout and Wes is having to deal with the agents failure to recognize a fair deal in a very complicated landscape. Unfortunate for both sides, but know this: the Patriots have been successful because of who they are and how they go about business. Nothing has changed. They will likely be as good or better next year than this year. They are a formidable football team between June and February and a no-nonsense business machine devoid of all emotion the remainder of the year. That is why their success is sustainable; yet also why they are not always very likeable. Whether you call them arrogant or cheap or some other ridiculous adjective, it is simply good business. The same good business that agents often fail to provide for their clients.

I know how easy it is for players and agents to be blinded by the money, but I don’t accept that as an excuse. We may never know all the details of what transpired over the past two years between Wes and the Patriots, so, based on what we do know, there surely will continue to be a debate regarding fault. But, so be it. That’s what these forums are all about.

I don’t blame the agency for responding because that was some pretty strong stuff from Kraft. But Kraft is not the boy who cried wolf. When he says something that vehement, it’s pretty clear he feels there was misinformation out there. I mean the man wouldn’t even sue the Herald for libel when they falsely trumpeted the assertion that there were practice tapes done by the Pats of other teams, which was a complete fabrication and very damaging.

One thing I hope that agency does is remember the fiduciary duty for their clients and send a different member of their staff to negotiate with the Pats in the future. I don’t see anything good happening for awhile if Dunn himself shows up.

I would to if I was doing your job at your salary. But then, neither of us is a pro-football wide receiver playing in front of millions fans.

The team tried to save money, the player tried to make more money. Neither is wrong – it’s a business after all.

What is nauseating is the public posturing by both sides to try and justify their own perspective. Move on.

There was a player available. You could’ve paid more. You didn’t. Your choice.

There was an offer on the table. You could’ve taken it and stayed with that team. You didn’t. Your choice.

And despite the Broncos fans we seem to suddenly think that the Patriots are rival, it wasn’t like he up an went to a hated enemy or even a team that they’ve been tangling with for years. This isn’t Johnny Damon to the Yankees or anything. It’s not the end of the world.

Best of luck Wes. Go Patriots.

Why did they give Amendola more years (it’s the same money that Wes signed for in Denver–6 mill per)? Age. Amendola is 27. Welker is 32. When the Pats lost Troy Brown, the Pats traded for Welker and gave him a 5 year deal. They lose Welker and give Amendola….a 5 year deal. They’ve been in this position before. It’s a business. At least that’s what players say all the time.

Signed: All the Dolphins fans

Folks its business. Should the Patriots have waited for Wes to make his decision after FA started. Its been two years and his agents misread the market.

Belichick makes decisions on what he perceives is best for the team and his track record is pretty good. He sees every practice/play/game of his players and possibly he sees a player beginning his decline.Welker would have never dropped that pass in the Ravens game two years ago.

Like it or not, that is how business is done in Foxboro which is why the Patriots have been an elite team for more than the past decade and remain favorites to return to the SB this year.Belichick will always move on a year early than a year too late.

For the last time, Amendola was not brought in to replace Welker but is another piece of an offense that needed to be retooled after playoff losses the past few seasons.

Wes has been in decline and the beating he has taken for the last 5 years is showing. That’s why the Broncos contract is only guaranteed for one deal. However, I see both teams winning, Denver in the short term and NE in the long. I think Welker may be the one with regrets, especially if that press conference was anything to go by.