Welker has never gotten to this point in his contract since being acquired by the Patriots in 2007. Welker has 554 receptions over that span — 80 more than anyone else — and has become one of the most indispensable members of the team.
The Patriots could choose to franchise Welker, but they will also have an exclusive negotiating period with him for a short time at the start of the offseason.
“I think Wes wants to be here, and we want him here,” Kraft said Friday. “Hopefully when the season ends, both sides will be wise enough to consummate something. He’s pretty special. Anytime there’s a player on this team I can look eye to eye and be at the same level, he’s an important guy.”
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