The debate over Patriots WR Wes Welker’s future is raging. He signed his franchise tender, but then spoke out about how poorly the negotiations are going. Few don’t believe Welker is worth big money for his production now. But it’s when you get a little bit into the future when it gets dicey. Welker is, after all, 31 years old, and he has taken a lot of hits. He plays fearlessly over the middle, which may be why he’s been beat up. In discussing a possible extension, it may be instructive to look into the past. That’s what I did, examining the last two slot receivers who have starred for coach Bill Belichick — Wayne Chrebet and Troy Brown. Are […]

This may sound a little weird… The Saints suspensions — from coach Sean Payton to GM Mickey Loomis to the players — have hurt the team. No doubt. Two key parts who built the team won’t be involved in some or all of the 2012 season, and a few players are appealing that reality, too. Some, as in the case of Jonathan Vilma, are doing so vehemently. And then there is QB Drew Brees. Hit with the exclusive version of the franchise tag, without a long-term contract, Brees is a little pissed. He didn’t mind saying so. And his comments haven’t led to any contract movement, Steve Wyche reports. Brees hasn’t said whether he’ll sign the tag if it’s that or […]

Lance Briggs‘ new contract with the Bears includes over $8.25 million in new guarantees, and richly rewards the linebacker for his work with the team. A year after requesting a trade, and at a time when linebackers have been struggling mightily to get significant contracts on the open market, Briggs secured a strong deal from the Bears thanks to his agent Drew Rosenhaus.

Brandon Jacobs’ one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers will include a $950,000 base salary with $150,000 guaranteed in the form of a signing bonus and a possible $475,000 roster bonus, according to a league source. Jacobs’ contract is worth a maximum of $1.575 million, the source said.

Ravens center Matt Birk isn’t retiring, according to his agent, Joe Linta. Birk wants to return to Baltimore, and Linta began contract talks with the team Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Chargers QB Philip Rivers‘ six-year contract extension, which he signed Monday, is worth $91.8 million, with $38.15 million guaranteed and another $6 million guaranteed for injury only, according to a league source.

The contract that Rams rookie OT Jason Smith signed Thursday is worth a maximum of $61.775 million over five years, with $33 million guaranteed, a league source told NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora.

Colts rookie RB Donald Brown agreed to a five-year, $12.8 million contract Sunday, one day before the team’s first practice of training camp. The first-round draft pick is guaranteed $6.8 million in the deal, a league source told NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora.

After holding out the first two practices of training camp, Vikings rookie WR Percy Harvin has agreed to a five-year contract. The first-round draft pick is expected to be ready for the team’s Sunday afternoon practice.

Harvin is expected to be ready for the team’s Sunday afternoon practice.

Derrick’s Mason’s love for the game led many of those close to him to suspect he would return to the Baltimore Ravens sometime this month. Maybe just not this quickly.

Former first-round draft pick Dunta Robinson has yet to sign his one-year franchise tender from the Texans and could miss the start of training camp, according to a source.

The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms on a four-year deal with defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks, according to a league source.

Second-round pick has a four-year deal.

Pro Bowl return man is going to participate in training camp, according to sources, but remains upset about his contract situation and is prepared to sit out regular-season games unless changes made to his deal.

Cleveland Browns officials and Josh Cribbs‘ representatives held a three-hour conference call Thursday, according to a source. The team also is scheduled to have a face-to-face meeting with Cribbs to continue discussing the Pro Bowl return specialist’s displeasure with his contract.