Keeping Wes Welker, Adding Reggie Wayne or Brandon Lloyd Would Give Patriots Unrivaled Depth at Wide Receiver

by NESN Staff on Thu, Feb 9, 2012 at 1:28PM

Fasten your seatbelts, Patriots fans.

Because although you may not want to think about football following New England's Super Bowl loss to the Giants, we're in store for an interesting offseason, to say the least.

At the forefront of it all is Wes Welker, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent, leaving many to wonder whether or not he'll return, and what exactly the cost is going to be to retain him. After all, although Welker doesn't fit the traditional mold of an explosive, elite receiver, he's performed at an amazing level ever since arriving in New England prior to the 2007 season.

Welker or no Welker, though, NESN.com Patriots beat writer Jeff Howe thinks that the Pats need to further address the wide receiver position before next season. That could include cutting Chad Ochocinco and bringing in another proven veteran presence, such as Reggie Wayne or Brandon Lloyd.

Howe caught up with NESN.com's Ricky Doyle on the latest installment of the NESN.com podcast to discuss the Patriots' receiving corps going forward.

But despite the lack of sleep from Super Bowl week, Howe and Doyle didn't stop there, instead breaking down the other question marks surrounding the team this offseason. They took a look at the Patriots' running back situation, what Devin McCourty's future holds and whether the Patriots will consider adding a pass-rushing threat in the draft or through free agency.

To hear all of this wisdom and more, check out the NESN.com podcast below, complete with a Metallica opening — because why not?