Danny Amendola: I can’t be concerned with Wes Welker comparisons

It Is What It Is | WEEI — FOXBORO — Danny Amendola isn’t worried about comparisons to Wes Welker. The receiver, signed as a free agent this offseason, said Tuesday can’t concern himself with people who might try and make a connection between him and Welker, who signed with the Broncos in the offseason after six years in New England. “That’s not something [...]

May 21, 2013

WR Jones excited for opportunity

New England Patriots Blog | ESPN Boston — FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Lost in the shuffle of the New England Patriots drafting two receivers last month, losing Wes Welker through free agency, and signing Danny Amendola to replace him were some lesser-known signings at wide receiver this offseason. Former Buffalo Bills pass-catcher Donald Jones was one of those additions, and is coming off his best season as a pro after going undrafted out of Youngstown State in 2010. Like Welker with the Miami Dolphins, Jones shined against his AFC East rival Patriots while with the Bills.

New England Patriots May 14, 2013

WR Moe ready to seize opportunity

New England Patriots Blog | ESPN Boston — FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Among the 19 college free agents signed by the Patriots on Friday, one of the noteworthy names is wide receiver T.J. Moe out of Missouri, a player who, because of the fact that he is a slot receiver who went undrafted, has been comapred in some circles to Wes Welker. Moe, addressing the local media for the first time on Friday, wouldn't go that far in terms of drawing a parallel between his game and Welker's. "That's an honor to be compared to a great player," he said.

New England Patriots May 3, 2013

Wes Welker: Leaving New England was ‘just business’

It Is What It Is | WEEI — Wes Welker said Wednesday morning that contract talks between his reps and the Patriots never got personal and indicated that in the end, “everything worked out really well for everybody.” The former Patriots wide receiver who signed a free agent deal with the Broncos last month after six seasons in New England, told ESPN Radio [...]

April 3, 2013

Welker: Nothing personal with Pats

New England Patriots Blog | ESPN Boston — Former Patriots receiver Wes Welker was a guest on ESPN Radio’s “Mike & Mike” program on Wednesday morning, and he was asked about one media-based storyline regarding his departure from New England: Did the negotiation become personal? “No, I don’t think so. I think a lot of it is just business,” Welker responded to hosts Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic (listen HERE). “It’s kind of the unfortunate part of the business, but it is what it is.

New England Patriots April 3, 2013

Morning link: Patriots still receptive to new receivers

The Point After | Boston Herald — In today's Herald, I examined the Patriots' situation at wide receiver, which still looks bleak in the absence of Wes Welker. But of course, they've got options to improve the unit through free agency and the draft, so check it out for more.

New England Patriots April 2, 2013

Patriots may see light

Boston Herald — There’s been a black cloud hanging over the Patriots in free agency. It’s been there since March 13, the day Wes Welker became a Bronco. It’s as if everything turned dark for Patriots fans since then. Welker’s departure ruined the offseason. At least, that’s the vibe you get from Patriots Nation.The best way to snap out of it and draw some light?Well, consider the bigger picture.

New England Patriots March 27, 2013

Examining how rest of AFC elite has done when it comes to free agency

It Is What It Is | WEEI — We all know how the Patriots have done when it comes to free agency, losing wide receiver Wes Welker, running back Danny Woodhead, safety Pat Chung and offensive lineman Donald Thomas, but adding wide receiver Danny Amendola, safety Adrian Wilson and offensive lineman Will Svitek (and re-signing cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Marquice Cole and linebacker/special [...]

March 22, 2013

Rex Ryan glad Wes Welker left New England Patriots

Newsday — Rex Ryan has a lot on his mind these days with the possible trade of Darrelle Revis, question marks at quarterback and the comings and goings of free agency and the draft. But there is one thing he is glad he doesn't have to dwell on any longer.

New York Jets March 19, 2013

Bill Belichick: Nothing to add on Wes Welker situation

It Is What It Is | WEEI — Bill Belichick sidestepped any questions regarding the Wes Welker situation on Tuesday, saying that “there are changes every year on every team,” and adding that he agreed with what owner Robert Kraft said Monday regarding the negotiation. Speaking at the AFC coaches breakfast at the annual NFL meetings, Belichick was asked if it was a [...]

March 19, 2013

Agents: Wes Welker, slot receivers may be collusion victims

It Is What It Is | WEEI — Slot receivers have seen a disappointing free-agent market this offseason, and some agents suggest that collusion among NFL owners may be in play to suppress the salaries of that specific class of receivers. Whereas outside receivers such as Mike Wallace landed a five-year, $60 million contract that includes $30 million in guarantees and Greg Jennings [...]

March 19, 2013

Belichick on Welker: Nothing to add

New England Patriots Blog | ESPN Boston — PHOENIX -- Patriots coach Bill Belichick met with reporters at Tuesday's AFC coaches breakfast, addressing a number of topics, including Wes Welker's free-agent defection to the Broncos. "There are changes every year on every team," Belichick said, when asked if it will be odd not seeing Welker in the team's offense. Asked a follow-up question on if it was a tough negotiation, Belichick said: "I think Wes was everything we hoped we would be when we traded for him.

New England Patriots March 19, 2013

Rex Ryan: Glad Welker is gone

New England Patriots Blog | ESPN Boston — PHOENIX -- Wes Welker's defection from New England to Denver is one of the big free-agent stories in the NFL this offseason, and so it was no surprise that it was a topic of dicussion at multiple tables at the AFC coaches breakfast Tuesday. Thanks to ESPN.com NFC East reporter Dan Graziano, who was with Jets coach Rex Ryan, here are Ryan's thoughts: "I'm glad Wes is not there. I'm not kidding. That guy was a pain in the tail. I hated Wes Welker.

New England Patriots March 19, 2013

Agents: Pats' offer was 'take it or leave it'

New England Patriots Blog | ESPN Boston — The statement below was released by the Athletes First regarding their client Wes Welker, in response to Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s comments about the team’s negotiation with the receiver. The statement was released to Albert Breer of NFL.com: "Athletes First has tremendous respect for Mr. Kraft and the entire Patriots organization. We have successfully consummated numerous deals with the team including Drew Bledsoe's landmark 2001 contract and this year's extension for Aaron Hernandez.

New England Patriots March 19, 2013

Patriots owner Robert Kraft: ‘Everyone wanted Wes Welker back’

Boston Globe — Patriots owner Robert Kraft met with Boston-area media members Monday for the first time since Tom Brady’s contract renegotiation and extension and Wes Welker’s decision to sign with Denver.

New England Patriots March 18, 2013