Wes Welker refuses to retire from the NFL
Wes Welker’s two-year contract with the Broncos expires on March 10. Amid chatter of retirement, Welker says that’s not the case.
“Just getting ready for 2015,” Welker told Mike Klis of the Denver Post via text message.
But what about the report he’s contemplating retirement?
“Never ever came out of my mouth,” Welker said.
Wes Welker preparing for 2015, not mulling retirement: http://t.co/LVK9hC3Yj0 via @mikeklis
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) February 16, 2015Three known concussions in the past two seasons as a member of the Denver Broncos is cause for concern. 50 catches from QB Peyton Manning in 2014 were Welker's lowest output since 2005. Some of the decline could be attributed to the emphasis on the outside receivers, Demaryius Thomas and newcomer, Emmanuel Sanders. TE Julius Thomas grabbed 12 touchdowns, and was used as the featured target in the red zone. Wes Welker became the fourth option for Peyton Manning.
For Wes Welker, after averaging 112 catches for six years with the New England Patriots, his output dropped to 73 catches in 2013 in 13 games. The other three games were inactive due to two concussions in a three week period. His third concussion in a ten month period occurred in the 2014 preseason. Wes had also tested positive for a banned amphetamine in the offseason under the performance enhancing drug policy.
The future in Denver for the 34 year old Wes Welker in 2015 is unclear. While Wes is happy that he made it through the 2014 regular season with no concussions, he has moved further down the depth chart as second round draft, WR Cody Latimer gets an increased role.
The suitors may line up if Wes Welker can not reach a reduced contract agreement with the Broncos. The usual suspects include the Green Bay Packers, the receiver starved Kansas City Chiefs and the Super Bowl Champions, the New England Patriots. The "other team" is the one with the history of head injuries that will impair his ability to pass a physical. I am rooting for them.
Paul Murphy is a freelance writer from New Hampshire.
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