Looks like Bill Simmons may be getting into the news-breaking side of the business...
Filed to ESPN: Broncos in serious talks, trying to hammer out an agreement with Patriots WR Wes Welker. Decision expected today.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2013
Wouldn't portend well for Brandon Stokley's chances of returning, but the Broncos would be getting younger in the slot by about five years.
Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe says a deal is likely:
Broncos deal with Patriots WR Wes Welker "very likely," according to a league source.
— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) March 13, 2013
Says Albert Breer:
According to two sources, the Broncos are deep in talks with free-agent WR Wes Welker. 1 source said they're "optimistic" on a deal coming.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 13, 2013
... And the Broncos' ability to close with John Elway at the helm has been well-documented. See: Manning, Peyton.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 13, 2013
From Jeff Darlington:
Between his ability and his personality, I can't think of a better place for Welker than Denver. That's such a good fit for so many reasons.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) March 13, 2013
Mike Klis hit up none other than Stokley himself for his take on the prospects. Can you saw awkward?
Jason La Canfora and Bedard are suggesting the Pats are making a late push to retain Welker:
While Broncos are pushing to sign Wes Welker, was told it still could go either way regarding a return to NE. Nothing definite yet
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 13, 2013
It ain't over til it's over.
— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) March 13, 2013
Mike Silver is hearing a deal with Denver is almost done.
Is Welker just using the Broncos to get a better offer from New England? Or is he playing the two sides against each other?
A source close to the situation telling me that Welker has gone back to the Patriots to see if they'll match the offer #PatriotsTalk
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 13, 2013
Word out of New England puts Denver's offer at $35M over four years. Sounds about right, and we'd figure a guaranteed figure of around $15M-17M to cover the first two years of the deal.
Updated 4:32pm ET
