Tom Brady may have signed a contract below market value to help the Patriots' front office build a strong team around him, but that clearly didn't mean they would be keeping his favorite target Wes Welker in town. The Patriots allowed Welker to join Peyton Manning in Denver, and brought in Danny Amendola to occupy the slot.
A source close to Brady said quarterback will feel like he's been "pierced in the heart." The 27-year-old Amendola, who has spent the first four years of his career with the St. Louis Rams, has been billed as a Welker clone but his myriad injuries have to be a concern for New England. He has missed 22 of 64 possible games, including 15 games in 2011. Excluding 2011, Amendola is averaging 63 catches, 560 yards and about two touchdowns per season.
The 31-year-old Welker has only missed four games in nine years, and over the years has become the most reliable receiver Brady has ever had. In his six seasons with the Patriots, Welker has averaged 112 receptions, 1,243 yards and six scores a year. Simply put, Welker has been healthier and more productive while showing little to no signs of deteriorating play. When that is considered along with Brady's team-friendly agreement, the decision to lowball Welker and then let him catch passes from Brady's bitter rival becomes a head scratcher.
Welker's deal with the Broncos is for two years and $12 million while Amendola inked a five-year, $31 million pact that guarantees him $10 million. Welker's decision to actually leave Brady and co. for the Broncos is a good indicator of how unhappy he was with the New England front office-his deal with Denver was just $2 million more than the Patriots' offer.
Welker joins a Broncos offense with a bona fide number one receiver in Demaryius Thomas, who is dangerous over the middle, deep down the field and catching screens. Eric Decker served as a very good No. 2 target and now he will get to use his large frame on the outside while Welker handles the precision routes over the middle.
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