As reported over the weekend, the New England Patriots and Wes Welker are far apart in their contract talks - about a $6 million gap.
But that isn't stopping the club and the receiver's agent from trying to work out a long-term extension, even with a deadline a week away to get one completed. If not, then Welker will play for the $9.5 million franchise tender.
The Boston Globe reports that some progress has been made and that a guaranteed third year in the contract is the major sticking point preventing the closing of a deal. Of course, if the Pats don't agree to a deal with Welker, and he has another standout season, they may be forced to franchise him again in 2013 at a price of more than $11 million.
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Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com