Funny. A long time ago, back when we were debating at what level Welker should be tendered, I said the following in response to criticism about Wes' return skills:
Welker is clearly not the return man that Hester is, but then, who is really? He gets the job done, and he contributes outside of the return game. I like his fire, and I'd like to see us keep him. He's the kind of guy you might find on a Pioli/Belichick team.
There are too few guys like that in the league. There is a reason why the Pats are so very successful, and the Dolphins smell like the Big Tuna's morning BM. Rule of thumb in dealing with the Pats: If Pioli and Belichick are willing to deal with us, then it isn't going to be a good deal for the Dolphins. They are smarter, and will get the best of us every time, whether its a trade or signing away our toss-offs in FA. Tuna says this business is about talent acquisition, and the Patriots are the best.
Everyone agrees that Wes would not have had the same level of success with the Dolphins as he did with Brady/Moss/etc. But (1) we sure were better off with him than without him; (2) we have to play the Patsies twice every year -- Welker gave Belichick fits when he was a Dolphin, now he's going to haunt Sparano two times each season; (3) everyone keeps talking about first round tender money being too much for a slot receiver -- if he's the best slot receiver in the league, and our most potent offensive weapon, and our best chance to move the chains on third-and-whatever, you keep him.
The book is closed on Wes now, so this argument is pretty pointless. Let's move on, but hope that Parcells and Ireland are "history buffs" like Sparano claims to be. Learn from this mistake. When you're evaluating a player, even if he doesn't fit whatever "planet theory" qualities you might want, if you find yourself saying "He's the kind of guy you might find on a Pioli/Belichick team" -- for crying out loud, don't let him go!
