Welker has averaged better than 110 catches annually since joining New England in 2007 and has led the NFL in that category three times during that stretch; franchising him is a no-brainer if no new deal is reached by Monday. QB Tom Brady also loves Branch, but we’d prioritize acrobatic deep threat Brandon Lloyd – he played for new/old Pats OC Josh McDaniels in Denver and St. Louis the past two years – before focusing on Branch, a 10-year vet. Forget that Carter is one of the nicest guys in the league, he reverted to a double-digit sack guy after Bill Belichick adapted the defense to a 4-3 base to maximize Carter’s talents as a pass-rushing end. Keep him. However it’s worth noting New England has missed on several defensive backs in recent years despite investing numerous picks. It may be time to consider CB Carlos Rogers or S Dashon Goldson and find pass rushers and/or wideouts in the draft.