Wes Welker says he won't hold out

WEEI:

“No, not at all,” Welker said. “There’s nine and a half million reasons why I wouldn’t miss any regular season games, so you don’t have to worry about that.”

Welker skipped mandatory workouts as he wants a long-term deal. The nine and a half million he refers to is the amount of money he'll earn in 2012 if he signs his franchise tender. Welker has suggested that he might sign that tender by the Patriots mini-camp that starts on June 12th.

The Patriots have certainly stocked up on receivers, so they have plenty of insurance if Welker doesn't suit up for the season. He only needs to look to the Logan Mankins situation to see that that sitting out wouldn't be necessary. Mankins held out in the 2010 season after being given the franchise tag, the Pats went along fine without him before he returned mid-season. Eventually the Pats and Mankins hammered out a long term deal. Was Mankins sitting out half a year really necessary?

The one thing holding the Patriots back from giving Welker a big contract, is the upcoming free-agency of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, whom the Pats will almost definitely want to lock up.