The Rams will sign Wes Welker to a one-year deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Welker can earn up to $700K in incentives on top of his base salary based on playing time and number of receptions (link).
Welker has racked up 890 career receptions to go along with 9,822 receiving yards. However, health concerns – including an extensive concussion history – have made teams shy away from Welker following his two-year stint in Denver, despite the fact that he wants to continue his career. Earlier today, the Rams worked out a group of notable wide receivers that included Welker, Hakeem Nicks, and Vincent Brown and Welker apparently came away with the job.
The 11-year veteran has earned five Pro Bowl nods, but 2014 was one of his worst seasons ever. Injuries limited the 34-year-old to 14 games, in which he totaled 49 catches and just 464 receiving yards. This year, Welker auditioned for a few teams including the Giants and Dolphins, but he went unsigned until today.
Outside of Tavon Austin, who has caught 28 balls and four touchdowns this season, no St. Louis wide receiver has more than 15 receptions or a single TD so far in 2015. Welker may not be counted on for major production, but at the very least, he can give St. Louis some additional depth at wide receiver now that Stedman Bailey will be sidelined for four games.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
A big name, yes, and the Rams are certainly in need of those. But Welker, who struggled to provide much in a defined role in Denver in 2014, having much impact joining a team that has an iffy quarterback midseason should place a fairly low ceiling on his potential here.
I hope he doesn’t slip and fall on the concrete! Loved the way Welker played the game but that many concussions just make me wonder why.
Well it definitely can’t be about money. Dude has a net worth of $20M!!!!