Most NFL fans don’t like to deal in rumors but if the rumor is strong enough it can quickly become reality. The Carolina Panthers are rich at running back. Could they package a deal to bring Wes Welker south to team with Cam Newton?
Focus on defense makes Panthers discount age of Steve Smith
All anyone, expert and fans can talk about with the Panthers is how their defense will hold up in year two under head coach Ron Rivera. The unit got ripped to pieces last year thanks to multiple injuries and force rookie sensation Cam Newton to carry the team as best he could. For that reason the team selected linebacker Luke Kuechley with a first round pick in hopes he can shore up the defense. Lost in the shuffle is the reality that much of the success last season came from the rebirth of receiver Steve Smith. After some thought the veteran washed up, he regained his Pro Bowl form and helped turn Newton into Rookie of the Year. That said the man is 32 and can’t carry the Panthers passing attack alone. On the other hand, Carolina has a log jam of talent at running back with DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, and Mike Tolbert. Some think this is a blessing, but it also opens some doors to the trading market for teams in need of a running back. One team may have that need and a solution at the receiving spot too.
New England Patriots WR bonanza puts Welker and runner problems in dark
No one ever said Tom Brady didn’t have enough weapons. Already backed by three Pro Bowl players including Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, New England saw fit to add Brandon Lloyd and recently Jabar Gaffney to the mix. Lloyd was the leading receiver in St. Louis last season and the Redskins released Gaffney despite him leading their group too. One player fans have seemingly forgotten is Wes Welker, the most respected slot receiver in the NFL. The Patriots placed the franchise tag on him when a new deal couldn’t be reached. Now the two sides sit in a standoff. While trading him might not please Brady, New England can never pass up a deal like it. Since they lost reliable runner BenJarvus Green-Ellis to Cincinnati the Patriots stand this at running back. Trading Welker to Carolina would instantly take pressure off Smith and give New England a dimension to their already dangerous offense defenses would fear.
It’s hard to understand why the New England Patriots would sign Jabar Gaffney unless they planned another move at the receiver spot. They’ve traded Pro Bowl players before, and Wes Welker fits that bill. If any team should have interest it’s the Carolina Panthers. With their wealth of running backs and need of help for Steve Smith and Cam Newton, the deal makes too much sense not to explore.
SOURCE: Gather.com
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