Welker’s numbers as a Patriot are staggering. Over five seasons and 83 games, Welker has 600 receptions, an average of more than seven per contest. Included in that are 46 catches in six playoff games, never fewer than six.
To say that Welker is an important part of the Patriots offense probably wouldn’t be fair, because it wouldn’t be giving him enough credit.
“He comes out consistently and plays at a high level, so I don’t know how much more important someone can be,’’ said teammate Julian Edelman, like Welker a receiver and punt returner.
What’s not clear is whether Welker will be an important part of the Patriots’ future. Lost in the excitement of the franchise’s seventh appearance in the Super Bowl is this: Today’s game at Lucas Oil Stadium could be Welker’s last in a Patriots uniform.
As an unrestricted free agent after this season, Welker would be free to sign with another team, unless the Patriots place their franchise tag on him, which many assume they would do if a contract extension can’t be reached. A new deal, though, appears to be what both sides would prefer.
“I plan on being back,’’ Welker said a week ago. “I’m not too worried about that right now; I’m fully concentrating on this game. But I plan on being back.’’
Patriots owner Robert Kraft, before the team left for the Super Bowl, said, “We want him here. Hopefully when the season ends, both sides will be wise enough to consummate something. He’s pretty special.’’
He is also about to receive a nice bump in pay. Welker’s base salary for 2011 was $2.15 million, which put him 22d in the league for his position. None of the 21 players ahead of him caught as many passes during the regular season as Welker’s 122, and only Detroit’s Calvin Johnson (1,681) had more yards than Welker’s 1,569.
