You have to figure ultimately the Patriots will use their franchise tag on Wes Welker,” Schefter said. “The franchise tag would be for $9.4 million. They’ve been talking about getting a long-term deal, the question is can they get something done. Wes Welker is going to want to be paid like one of the top wide receivers in the game. That’s going to be a big number … If they can’t get something done, then the Patriots will wind up using the tag in all probability.