Tom Brady might be staying for the long haul with the New England Patriots, but Wes Welker might not be if reports that he's unhappy with New England's latest contract offer.
Negotiations between the Patriots and Welker, who has been a five-time Pro Bowler since 2008 and three-time league receptions leader, have not been going well.
Several sources have told Yahoo! Sports that Welker found New England's first offer "laughably low."
Welker, who caught 118 receptions for 1,354 yards and six touchdowns last season, has not been able to come to terms with the kind of deal that he feels he deserves after six seasons in New England and having served as one of Brady's most reliable targets.
The Patriots put a $9.5 million franchise tag on Welker last season; that option would cost the Patriots $11.4 million to keep Welker around this time.
With talks heading into an impasse, Welker has turned to another AFC rival-the Denver Broncos.
ESPN reports that the Broncos and Welker have entered into serious contract talks, with a decision expected to be reached sometime Wednesday.
With the Broncos in search of a slot receiver, Welker could fit in perfectly as another reliable option for longtime Patriots nemesis Peyton Manning, whose 13-3 Broncos would love a shot at a Super Bowl title.
NFL.com notes that while Welker has played a crucial part in New England's success in recent years, the Patriots have let instrumental players go in the past, as they did when they let field goal kicker Adam Vinatieri, who kicked the winning field goals in two of the Patriots' three Super Bowl title games, walk to Indianapolis.
Tampa Bay Signs Dashon Goldson
Meanwhile, the Tampa bay Buccaneers have beefed up their defense with a major signing Wednesday as they signed Pro Bowl safety Dashon Goldson to a five-year deal worth $41.25 million.
Roughly $22 million of the deal is guaranteed money.
Goldson, who spent the last six seasons with San Francisco, has been a defensive terror in the last four seasons, having netted 310 tackles, three sacks and 14 interceptions with 34 passes defended.
While the 49ers have been busy making offseason moves by trading Alex Smith and acquiring Anquan Boldin, one move not in San Francisco's plans was putting a franchise tag on Goldson or offering him a longterm deal.
With Goldson on the Buccs, he should give the defense a much-needed shot in the arm as he pairs up with second-year safety Mark Barron. And with plenty of cap space still available, Tampa Bay is even in position to make a play for Darrelle Revis, arguably the best cornerback in the NFL.
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