[simple simon]

Spurning the risk that would have come with signing Miami receiver/returner Wes Welker to a restricted-free-agent offer sheet, the New England Patriots instead acquired Welker on Monday afternoon for two picks in the 2007 draft.

Signing Welker to the offer sheet would have meant Miami could have matched the offer and kept him or that it could have let New England acquire Welker in exchange for a second-round pick only. Instead, the Patriots will surrender their second- and seventh-round choices. It's also likely under this scenario that New England will have to lay out less cash to sign Welker long term.

Welker is only the second player in the last 15 NFL seasons to lead his team in receptions, punt returns and kickoff returns in the same season, which he did in 2006. (Former Titan Derrick Mason last accomplished that in 2001.) In New England it's likely he'll be given a good shot to start at receiver, and he'll probably return punts and get some other special teams opportunities as well.

SI.com - Writers - Peter King: Pats trade for WR Welker - Monday March 5, 2007 5:00PM

[simple simon]

from what i have seen of Welker this is another great signing by the Pats

this kid has speed and great toughness.......definitely an upgrade at receiver

[unclealfie]

i like what i've seen of welker (i.e. killed the pats in 2006) but a SECOND ROUND pick? Seems steep for a gnat-style receiver but IBWT (in belichick we trust).

[ThePundit]

Originally Posted by unclealfie

i like what i've seen of welker (i.e. killed the pats in 2006) but a SECOND ROUND pick? Seems steep for a gnat-style receiver but IBWT (in belichick we trust).

Welcome to GoTeamsGo unclealfile..I totally agree with you. A 2nd rounder for an average receiver, doesn't make much sense.

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

A 2nd rounder for an average receiver, doesn't make much sense.

when i saw him play he is a much better then average return man

add to that the fact that he is 25, right in his prime

[VikesRule]

Too much given up for him, I thought they were going to do a poison pill thing like the Vikings did last year to the Seahawks. He's average, he was pretty good at Texas Tech but he isn't anything special beyond the good ability to return kicks.

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by VikesRule

he isn't anything special beyond the good ability to return kicks.

in this day and age field position is just so important i really think his ability there is special

i also think he is special because it seems i remember he is more then willing to go over the middle

as for what the Pats gave up.........a 2nd round pick.......i really dont think its too much especially for someone proven as he is.....the draft is such a crap-shoot......he is worth more then some teams have spent on 1st round picks lately....Ryan Leaf

add to the mix that he is virtually a lock for an upgrade at WR......he is for sure played better then Caldwell and Gaffney

[VikesRule]

Well I have to admit the Patriots have had the best offseason in Free Agency so far so who knows, they might not even need that 2nd rounder. Better to get a proven young player than gamble on one, I guess.

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by VikesRule

Better to get a proven young player than gamble on one, I guess.

exactly.....youre right i did forget to add that he is only 25.....prime age for his position....he is old enough to know his position well and young enough to still be in great shape

and dont forget the 2 first round picks we have left to get.......one of which i think should be used to get Moss

[VikesRule]

You want Randy Moss for a 1st rounder? We barely shipped him out of Minnesota for a 1st and a player, he hasn't done squat since then. But since you guys gave away your second, you'd probably have to put down a first. Why do you want him so much?

[azrael492]

I have never seen him play, but he will be an improvement over who they had last season. If they can snag Moss too, that will make Welker even better. He will take the pressure of him.

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by VikesRule

Why do you want him so much?

a few years ago i saw Moss play....dont remember which game it was but he was still with the Vikings

he made 2 plays that day that made me realize he is the best receiver i have ever seen

on one play he was with the DB and the ball was under thrown....Moss tipped the ball up...went around the DB....and caught the ball

on the other play Moss made a great catch....after the catch while he was being tackled he had the presence of mind to pitch the ball to a teammate that i believe went in for a TD

both plays were truly amazing and things i think no other WR in the league would do

thats why i want Moss on the Patriots......he has the talent to do amazing things, and i feel in New England he would put forth more effort when he knows it can lead to a ring

[VikesRule]

Originally Posted by simple simon

a few years ago i saw Moss play

That's the problem, he's changed. Ask me 3 years ago what I'd trade Moss for, I'd say 3 or 4 first round picks and some 2nd and 3rds minimum. I remember both those plays. The first was against the Redskins, he made a sweet move and an awesome play, but the play didn't count due to holding I think. That was the game where he "left early" with 2 seconds left on the clock that the media made a big deal about.

The 2nd play was against the Broncos, with a few seconds left before halftime, on a deep bomb, he caught the ball and pitched it to Moe Williams, who scored a TD. That was an amazing play and one of the best ever in my opinion.

I advise you to watch some Raiders games or ask them about him, they probably can tell you better than me how good he is now.

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by VikesRule

I advise you to watch some Raiders games or ask them about him, they probably can tell you better than me how good he is now.

i totally understand where youre coming from

and i could be off my rocker.......im sure other members will weigh in on that

but i can see how a bad team like the Raiders could get him down....and i really do think playing for a team he knows has shot at the SB has a chance to turn him back around

like i said, it could just be wishful thinking on my part, but id be willing to give him a shot......the Pats made the AFC Championship game last year and they already made improvements from that team so id be willing to go for Moss

[azrael492]

but i can see how a bad team like the Raiders could get him down....and i really do think playing for a team he knows has shot at the SB has a chance to turn him back around

I still think it is wrong to just give up on a season, but I understand what he was going through. The only players that would not be completely discouraged playing for that team is a rookie trying to prove himself in the league, or a veteran that can not get another job. Brooks has to be kicking himself for getting released. Is a retirement announcement in the near future for him??