Broncos Sign Wes Welker

The Broncos made the big splash in free agency on Wednesday with the signing of WR Wes Welker from the Patriots. Welker gets a 2 year deal worth $12 million. The move is a colossal move for the Broncos in my opinion, and it delivers a blow to one of their main competitors in the AFC. The thing that I love about this move is that the Broncos got Welker for a pretty reasonable price. It is a two year deal, so the Broncos aren't investing too much into him, and they are getting him for an average of $6 million a year. Compare that to some of the other contracts that wide receivers are getting around the league, and this is a steal. From the moment the season ended in that painful loss to the Ravens, the Broncos desperately needed another weapon in their receiving corps. Brandon Stokley filled the slot role admirably last year, but if the Broncos could find an upgrade for that position, then it would really help Peyton Manning and take the pressure off of Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas. Welker's name was floated out there the minute the offseason began, but few expected him to escape from New England. Well, give John Elway credit once again. He made the move for Welker, and upgraded the Broncos passing game tremendously. Put it this way: The Broncos season came down to a 3rd and 6 against the Ravens. A first down wins the game. The Broncos played it conservative, and the way the game was playing out, there was probably some doubt that they would be able to get the first down in that spot. With a guy like Welker in the fold, the Broncos now have a guy they can go to in that position to get the much needed first down. It was a bold and great signing by Denver, and it shows that they are not resting on their accomplishments from 2012. They are going all in for 2013, and Welker gives them another piece to the puzzle to get to the Super Bowl and win it.