“Welker Would Make Sense”

March 8th, 2013

Jimminy Christmas! Just how many fancy toys does Josh Freeman need to drive the Bucs’ offense into the playoffs?

Apparently, he needs one more Pro Bowl gun, so penned ESPN NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas during a live chat today.

Ryan (NJ) – Any new info about Revis and Tampa? I know they said they weren’t going to be big spenders, but Revis is the best player at a position where the Bucs desperately need improvement on.

Also, any new word on Welker?

Pat Yasinskas: Bucs will be rumored to be interested in every big name because they have so much cap space. They won’t all be true. But I expect them to make a few big moves and Revis and Welker would both make sense.

Look, Joe would cheer like a madman for Wes Welker if he landed in Tampa Bay. It would be exciting, and Joe would be eager to see the Bucs run a load of three-wide-receiver sets and see how that could open up the running game for Doug Martin.

That written. Does Welker really “make sense” for the Bucs, as Yasinskas writes?

The Bucs would have to pay Welker at least Vincent Jackson money, aka $11 million per season. Has a team ever had two receivers making that kind of coin? And throw in the Bucs are supposedly working on a big-money extension for Mike Williams.

Joe doesn’t think Welker makes sense, despite the fun factor involved. For the same money, the Bucs likely could score a Grade A tight end and a punishing right tackle.

54 Responses to ““Welker Would Make Sense””

  1. stevek Says:

    I’d rather go after Amendola, as Welker is 32 and plays with Tommy Brady.

    Also, I would be on board with drafting Tavon Austin. He is a Welker/Harvin hybrid.

  2. stevek Says:

    @ Joe and all,

    What % would you put on Revis ending up in Tampa? I am at 50/50, I feel like this move is extremely interesting for both the Bucs and the Jets.

    We have very good reason to make this move, and we have very good reason not to make the deal.

    I will be very saddened to see the 49ers or an NFC South Team get Revis. IMO, if he is traded, it better be to the Bucs.

  3. BOb Says:

    Exactly what ive been thinking. Theres no way in the world the bucs will sign 3 WRs at that amount of money. So take your pick bucs fans. Welker or mike williams. Im taking williams for less money and more years. Money can be spent better elsewhere.
    11 mill. For Vjax, 10 mill. For welker and 7-8 mill. For mike williams. Too much!
    Brian hartline just got 6+ mill. A year from the dolphins. Williams will get more than that.
    Theres too many other pressing needs for this team.

  4. @MikeInTampa2 Says:

    Gimme Martellus Bennett instead.

    @stevek. …..i say 0% Chance. Soooo many CB’s getting released today. I wanna keep our draft picks anyway. If Revis were 100% healthy, I’d say 40/60 NO. He wants 15 Mil and always wants a new contract

  5. Brad Says:

    When did Dominik say they weren’t going to be active in FA? Has something new come out cause last I heard him say we were going to be active.

  6. bucfanjeff Says:

    Amendola is a cheaper, younger option.

    I just don’t see Revis in Tampa from a monetary\draft pick selection. It would really go against our philosophy (giving up multiple picks).

  7. jfgobucs Says:

    Martellius re-uped with the G-men…

  8. jason jones Says:

    no way! cox, grimes, avirl…trade down take eifert. sign cribbs because rosco parrish is a joke…why am I not the GM again?

  9. Brad Says:

    I think Revis makes perfect sense. Getting the best CB for the worst secondary. When opportunities like this present themselves smart teams change their philosophy. Make it happen Dominik.

  10. Brad Says:

    And what person on this site wouldn’t be ridiculously excited if we actually got Revis?

  11. PRBucFan Says:

    Agree 100% Brad

  12. ElioT Says:

    I would pass on Revis and Welker. Welker is a product of a great QB who can hit timing routes and underneath passes with precision. Revis will cost too much money and compensation to the Jets plus the question marks with his knee.

    I like the Bucs going after Cox and Smith at CB and Bennett at TE while re-signing Michael Bennett and Roy Miller. Then they can draft for the best player available in all rounds.

    I heard an interview with Cox on the NFL radio network today and he seems like a talented and very intelligent player with his head on right which we sorely need. I hope Dom and Schiano really push hard for him.

    Go Bucs!

  13. the_buc_realist Says:

    Could you imagine Welker’s face after the 3rd uncatchable pass was thrown to him by Freeman during a game. It might be worth signing him just for that!

  14. Chris Says:

    I hope we get to see Mike Williams’ potential one day…it’s a shame he’s hamstrung by Freeman

  15. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    I don’t think Welker would be that great of a fit anyway, but there’s no way he’s getting Vincent Jackson money. Vincent is a true #1 receiver, Welker is an aging slot receiver. I may end up looking stupid in a few days, but I would be absolutely shocked if any team would be that crazy to sign him for that kind of money. He’s great and all, but he is without a doubt a product of a great system and QB. Most of his catches are short and hit him right where it needs to be, since it’s thrown by the most accurate QB in the NFL. Sorry, but that aint happening in Tampa. In Tampa, you’re more likely to catch a bubble screen with your feet than your hands. That takes away so many yards after the catch, which will limit his effectiveness. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to have him, but I don’t see him being a good fit at all.

  16. Orlandobucfan Says:

    Imagine the pressure that would be out on freeman if the bucs aquired welker. It would definitely be a win now or your out mentality.

  17. pick6 Says:

    just don’t see it. the bucs have 3 offensive players worthy of featuring, including an RB with all-pro ability. we have a head coach who wants a fearsome run game complemented by the deep ball. how does a small guy who will get paid to catch 80-110 balls a year fit into that setup? anytime welker is on the field as a slot WR you have to take a TE or FB out of the formation. that doesn’t sound schiano-like at all.

  18. @eric Says:

    Think we can go a cheaper route and save some money in return. I see Carson Palmer might get cut and that would b a great back up or competition for Freeman. Spend the money and fix the defense

  19. stevek Says:

    We should strongly consider drafting Tavon Austin before a TE.

    He could be our Devin Hester and Wes Welker, all while making rookie money.

    He would be an outstanding piece, and would open up the deep ball. Austin could run wild underneath, and out wide to help Dougie.

    Tavon Austin would fill our gaping hole at return man too. He is going to be special.

  20. Curmudgeon Says:

    With the kind of offense they want to run, big money spent on another WR makes no sense. It would just limit what they could do at other positions where they would actually USE that help. Let’s not forget Mike Williams is gonna need to get a decent chunk of change.

    Some people don’t like to worry about a player being paid too much. The way I look at it is that if Welker and Mike Williams caught 120 balls between them, would that be worth 15 million a year of cap dollars? In the Bucs offense, assuming V-Jax is still the primary target in the air, and Doug Martin is the bellcow of the offense, do you really think there would even be 120 catches for Welker and WIlliams combined? I’m pretty sure the Bucs threw the ball more than Schiano would’ve liked last year. There is no way I see Welker as a good investment.

    PLUS, the cap dollars spent on this team are already extremely unbalanced towards the offense and another 10 million dollar offensive player is just going to choke what they can spend on defense. And then people will want to complain about the defense.

    I’d rather we pay 15 million for Revis than 10 million for Welker, and I’m no fan of that price-tag for Revis.

    I would NOT be excited if we got Revis. Too much hype. Has been a contract hold out before. Has a knee injury. Wants to be paid like a QB. Likely requires excessive draft pick compensation. Those things do not excite me.

  21. tampabaybucfan Says:

    I don’t like the potential Revis deal….giving up draft picks for a one year contract. We would need to pur a long-term affordable deal in place and then you have the age and health issue.
    I think we can improve this team greatly through the draft and with some quality FAs (better than some of our starters now. There are a bevy of cornerbacks available along with some RTs. We can probably get a great young TE in the draft by trading up in round 2 or down in round 1.
    I would go for quantity of players, not a couple of very high-priced ones.
    If Eric Wright is so good, lets trade him and get another pick. Why cut him and get nothing?
    Keshawn looks fit….lets bring him in for a tryout! There’s your potential slot man!!! Lets face it, he has a ring. I be he’s play for us if we made him a captain.

  22. Macabee Says:

    My opinion,

    Wes Welker is a wonderful slot WR, but he is that for one Tom Brady. Welker is a product of years in a system where timing and precise route running has earned him the reputation he has.

    Josh Freeman needs tall rangy receivers that can leap or go get the ball, Because josh will get it in the area code but he is not a precision passer and given the right type of WRs that is good enough. The bucs should look at a WR like Kenny Stills or Rodney Smith in the later rounds. Terry Bradshaw won 3 SBs throwing errant passes, but had WRs in circus fashion, that could go get the ball.

    And Welker will not be Welker in another system. He and the Pats FO ought to realize this, sit down and come up with a deal that works for both parties. If he leaves, they both lose!

  23. BigMacAttack Says:

    I’m not a Welker fan, been dropping too many clutch passes of late.

    I’ll take Revis but don’t want to trade more than a 2 pick for him.

    I’d love to get both Bennetts.

    I’m okay with anyone they sign in FA really. All good.

    Just Win Baby!!!!

  24. Pete 422 Says:

    Freeman needs a Defense that can stop the pass.

  25. Paul Says:

    I’d be furious if we traded away our future for Revis. He is still injured and can’t even run yet..

  26. Buc Fan #238 Says:

    Sooo many CBs available that can help us!

    insider espn go com nfl freeagency index year 2013 position = 29

  27. Dave Says:

    A good slot WR should not be that hard to come by in the draft or at the second tier when you have VJ and MW on the outside.
    As for Revis… I prefer signing 1-2 CBs at a lower rate and drafting one. I don’t think the Revis deal can get done without a 1st and a another high pick this year or next.
    If it is for just the 1st round pick…AND they can resign him, then I’d do it.

  28. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    Great post BigMac, as always. Couldn’t agree more.

    @Paul,

    You do realize it’s early March, don’t you? Why would he rush back now? His injury isn’t as sever as Peterson’s by any means, and Peterson’s happened the next to last game. If you want to say he’s a freak, then I would point to Wes Welker. Tore his ACL the last game of the season a few years back, never missed a game. Every knee is different, but him not running now means absolutely nothing.

  29. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    @Dave,

    I don’t think anyone wants us to give up that much for Revis. Hard to say, but it sounds like he could be had for a 2nd and a 4th. Of course that’s just speculation and could be way off, but I can’t see any team giving up that many picks for him, especially with the salary he is going to command. I’d give up no more than a first and a 4th, and I doubt Dominik would either.

  30. Mike J Says:

    Hawaiian Buc , I had the same reaction;no way W.W. gets that kind of moolah from anyone.

  31. spicer1906 Says:

    I think that we should go after Cruz instead of welker. Welker is in his 30s and if we would be willing to pay welker or revis 11 mil+ a year why can’t the same amount be given to Cruz. Of course the giants will give him a 1st rounder tender, I think it would be worth the draft pick. And with corners being three rounds deep we could still get a decent draft class.

  32. Paul Says:

    Yasinskas actually said something smart. Any rumor about who the Bucs will sign or might sign is just a rumor. Once Schiano got here, all of the leaks stopped.

  33. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    We aren’t getting Cruz, period.

  34. Curmudgeon Says:

    We can’t justify investing another 10 million in cap dollars for Cruz either. Those big money contracts need to go to defensive players. I mean, I’d rather overpay Michael Bennett than spend 10 million on Victor Cruz. I mean, I’d love to have Victor Cruz, but the cap dollars have to be considered and you must spend money wisely to succeed in the NFL.

  35. Jacko101 Says:

    @Hawiaiin you say it as if you are The Rockstar himself, everything is speculation at this point and Nothing is ruled out. We could sign Talib lol (for all we know) It’s great to assume I would rather get Cruz and Free agent Corners if you asked me. Lol

  36. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    @Jacko101,

    Name me one restricted free agent with a first round tender that has been scooped up by another team. Just one. It doesn’t happen, because the price is too steep. Plus, the Giants would have the opportunity to match any offer we would make. So I guess it technically could happen, but I could technically fart rainbows, but it’s highly unlikely.

  37. SeanyMac in SC Says:

    I’m growing weary of the national talking heads saying what the Bucs need in regards to Welker and Revis. Both are too expensive and too old and are injury prone. Maybe a few years ago, but just not at this stage in their career. There are other good options in FA that will work at a much better value.

  38. SirustheVirus Says:

    Steadman Bailey 4th rd great slot WR.

  39. 4everBucsFan Says:

    I’d rather draft a slot receiver, like Texas A&M Ryan Swopes. I don’t think it would be to our advantage to spend so much money on another offensive weapon like Welker, or Amendola. There’s only so many balls to spread around, and to have your 8 million dollar slot receiver with only 50 catches for the season doesn’t balance out. Plus Amendola is hurt all the time. He’s too fragile. If we go after an offensive free agent it should be an OT and a TE. Jermon Bushrod and Jared Cook

  40. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    Revis is 27, so he’s not exactly an old man. Vincent Jackson is 30 and I don’t hear anyone complaining. And to be fair, Jackson was considered injury prone as well until last year. Both are very hard workers and very professional. Both were on poorly run organizations and just need a fresh start. Whether or not he is too expensive is dependent on how he recovers from his knee injury. However, if he gets back to even close to where he was, he’ll be well worth it. He will shut down anyone and everyone in the NFC South. No more Julio Jones killing us. He will completely take away people’s #1 receiver. Not to mention the fact that he will push our receivers in practice. They will only get better by going against Revis every day in practice.

  41. ElioT Says:

    The Victor Cruz idea is horrible… Just horrible! WR is one of the last positions we need help at. You get a good, versatile TE and the three WR sets will be a rarity.

    We need these positions in FA:
    – CB, CB, TE (and DT, DE if Bennett and Miller aren’t re-signed)

    We need these positions in the draft:
    – OT, DT, CB, SS, G, KR/PR

    Just my thoughts…

    Go Bucs!

  42. BigMacAttack Says:

    The Bucs could get Megatron and Freeman still has to get him the ball. It is foolish to spend any real money on another receiver. We have much bigger fish to fry. There is only 1 ball and Martin needs it about 25% of the time. TE is another story and we need that for run and pass. Get a good one and kill 2 birds.

  43. BigMacAttack Says:

    Mark Dominick is a smart guy. He’ll do the right thing. I believe in him. Lol

  44. Bird Says:

    Can’t see Welker although that would be nuts. He s playing hard ball with Pats right now who he will resign with for 9- 10 mil a year.. Think Bennet may be asking for too much.

    Revis is a tough sell for me but if he is healthy I think they could get him for less than 1st round pick for what it sounds cause he is asking for the world. Jets screwed themselves. Is he healthy. If he is .. he is worth the world. 12-14 mil. One man on 1 side of the field you don’t throw too.

    I think they sign multiple dbs cause there are so many out there now. No way Bucs redid those Jackson , Nicks deals for nothing. They will definitely be active in Free Agency. Hope they get the right guys. go bucs/

  45. Bucs Fan #238 Says:

    Redskins might release DeAngelo Hall. It looks like teams are dumping their high priced CBs left and right… why? Because they all want to take full advantage of the market restting for CBs this year. There are so many FA CBs that teams are basically dumping large contracts anticipating they will pick up a “market value” CB in a few weeks.

    And based on that, the trade value for Revis has to have dropped to a 2nd round pick. For a 2nd rouner, I would trade for Revis. A 2nd and the Patriots 4th.

  46. Nate Says:

    Id rather sign the left tackle from miami… and create more holes for doug martin! then trust freeman throwing to a short wideout! He barely puts the ball in the right spot for tall wideouts!

  47. Vic66 Says:

    Chris Landry said today Revis might even cost two 1 picks plus QB money. IMO he is just too expensive. As for Welker, what’s the guarantee Josh would throw to him? He only threw to Clark when he had to(told too). Why buy him more targets when he has trouble getting the ball to the receivers he has now. Let’s spend our money primarily for CBs and D linemen. JMO

  48. Bucs Fan #238 Says:

    Freemans short pass accuracy is not good enough for Welker. It would be a total waste.

  49. Nate Says:

    id love to see freeman in a west cost offense would be soo funny!

  50. Fish Says:

    Thank you for stating the obvious. Welker doesn’t make any sense when you consider our other needs…

  51. Anthony Gironda Says:

    Forget about CB Dunta Robinson because he has just signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on a 3-year deal.

  52. MegaDaveUK Says:

    I agree with Joe, Welker is not a necessity for the Bucs, nor is REVIS so stop fueling the flames with all this Revis talk. It would be a fundamentally counter productive move to throw everything and the kitchen sink at a guy who has maybe 3~ years left if healthy.

    Havn’t the Cards just let a Veteran Safety walk who would only command a $2m contract? Surely thats a much wiser move.

  53. scubog Says:

    Revis is a great player if he heals properly from his injury, but I don’t think he’s a “team” player. To me, he always seems to be self-promoting. There’s a reason the Jets are trying to rid themselves of this malcontent. Welker is a great player who would be a short (no pun intended) term solution. Hopefully one of the players already on the roster or a draft choice can fill that slot position so we don’t have to line up Underwood or always injured Benn and Straughter.

  54. teacherman777 Says:

    He makes NO SENSE!

    We are going to re-sign Mike Williams.

    We cannot afford to play THREE WR’S around 10 million each! It’s impossible!

    Mike deserves 7-8 million a year over 5 years. Big signing bonus to prevent the cap hit.

    Wes Welker is NOT in our plans.

    Plus Schiano would never undermine his brother Coach Belicheck,