Welker is unhappy that the team has not given him a long-term extension.
New England Patriots wide receiver Wes WelkerThings remain amicable between Wes Welker and the New England Patriots, but that soon could change.
Speaking with ESPN Boston Radio on Tuesday, Welker, who was recently hit with the organization’s franchise tag, said that he is considering skipping mandatory minicamp if progress isn’t made towards a long-term deal.
“I’m sure with the draft and everything else, there’s a lot of other things that kind of take place,” Welker said. "And you know how coach Belichick works ... right now he’s in draft mode. And I’m sure after the draft, you know, hopefully we’re able to come together and hopefully figure something out.”
Welker hasn’t taken part in voluntary workouts and said he may be forced to take a similar stance when minicamp beings June 12.
“I’m thinking I’m probably not going to (attend mandatory workouts), but things could change,” Welker said. "We’ll just see how it all plays out.”
Welker is set to earn $9.5 million in 2012 under the terms of the franchise tender. He has until mid-July to work out a new deal, otherwise he has to play under the tender or sit out.
The 30-year-old said that he would be willing to report without a new deal if progress were being made in contract discussions.
“Yeah. It could, just depending on what their mood it, where they’re at … what kind of progress we make,” Welker said.