Welker learns harsh lesson as Pats answer peace gesture with no contract – NFL – CBSSports.com

Here’s your “Pats screwed Welker!” take from Mike Freeman. I’m going to great lengths today not to sound like I have anything but love for Welker, but I don’t think the Patriots will cease their dominance of the AFC without him, ultimately it’s Belichick and then Brady that count the most.

Where are all those who decry the “dink and dunk” Patriots offense that Welker is the prime target of? And what about those who worship at the altar of the “deep threat”? And yes, the Pats have sucked at drafting wide receivers, but that doesn’t mean that a) they will continue to miss on every one and b) they can’t just go out and get guys in free agency like they did with Welker and Moss and everyone else not named Deion Branch or David Givens.

Welker’s signing of the tag this year, instead of potentially holding out, was an olive branch. The Patriots took that branch, applied a saw, and then ate it with some fava beans and a nice Chianti. With the Patriots declining to do a long-term deal, this is likely Welker’s last year in New England. It’s possible the Patriots could use the tag again next year but they probably won’t. In all likelihood, Welker is gone, and I think the Patriots will regret it.