Welker Insists He's Moved On From Failed Contract Negotiations
BOSTON (CBS) -- Wes Welker loves the Patriots, and the Patriots love Wes Welker. Alas, the two sides were unable to come to an agreement on a fair long-term deal, so the receiver enters the 2012 season with his one-year deal at the franchise rate.
Despite the fact that most folks would probably feel a little offended if they weren't offered a fair contract after taking a beating for five years while being severely underpaid as they dominated the NFL, Welker stressed to reporters Thursday that he holds no grudges or ill feelings toward the Patriots.
"The contract and everything else is out of mind and it's really just focusing on going out there and playing good ball," Welker said after the Patriots' first practice of training camp at Gillette Stadium.
Welker, who despite the lack of long-term security will still make a cool $9.5 million this year, said he'll have no added incentive this season to prove himself.
"You gotta prove it every year, so there's no year where you don't need to prove it. It's like any other year," he said.
Earlier on Thursday, head coach Bill Belichick was asked if he was disappointed the team couldn't work out a long-term deal with the NFL's receptions leader since 2007. As is his style, however, he didn't offer much.
"We go through that situation with every player. Some players we reach agreements with; some players we don't," Belichick said.
Welker, for his part, said he feels no disappointment.
"Not at all," he said. "Everyone tried. I tried, they tried and it just didn't work out."
