Monday, February 27, 2012

Pats have moves to make with aging receiver corps

Photo: Beth Hart, Flickr 


BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Despite an extremely productive 2011 season, question marks still surround the future of the Patriots’ receiving corps.

Believe it or not, a scenario where Wes Welker, Deion Branch and Chad Ochocinco all do not return to New England next season is still possible, though unlikely. But with an average age of 32 between the three wideouts, New England is definitely exploring its options.

Ochocinco was by far the least productive of the three in ’11, tallying only 15 receptions the whole regular season and only one in the Super Bowl. Earlier this month, the Boston Herald called Ocho a “likely candidate to get cut,” as the Pats are desperate for a deep threat on the outside.

Branch and Welker combined for more than 2,000 yards receiving last season (Welker had more than 1,500), as well as 14 touchdowns. Both, however, are candidates for free agency, still unsigned heading into March. Branch told Yahoo’s Jason Cole at the Combine that he is “optimistic” he’ll re-sign with New England, saying he’s “gonna retire a Pat,” which may mean he is willing to take a pay cut to do so. Despite his optimism, New England may still decide to let go of the 32-year-old in search for a higher-priced speedster in the draft or free agency.

Welker more than likely won’t be going anywhere, regardless of the fact he will turn 31 before next season. A source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the team will likely tag the wideout as a franchise player for 2012, evidence the team is hesitant to sign the aging receiver to a long-term deal. That would give Welker $9.5 million for the season, a number the Pats would love to see drop in 2013.

With the 27th pick, New England may go receiver this year, as the draft class for the position is decently stacked with names such as Justin Blackmon, Malcom Floyd, Kendall Wright, Alshon Jeffery and Mohamed Sanu, many of whom may fall far enough for the Pats to snag. That may not happen, however, if New England can find a gem come March 13 when free agency begins. Either way, there's only so long you can rely on your tight ends to run your go routes.

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