By Tom E. Curran
CSNNE.com
Wes Welker isn't concerned about his soon-to-expire contract, telling media at his annual football camp that, "I'm really not worried about (his contractual situation) at all. I enjoy playing ball. Whenever it comes. Really, it's probably the last thing on my mind."
Welker, who turned 30 earlier this month, is entering the final year of a five-year, 17 million deal he signed in March of 2007. He's had history-making production in terms of receptions in his four seasons with the Patriots, becoming the first player in NFL history to catch more than 110 balls in three different seasons (2007-09). The Patriots have more than cleaned up on their investment given the sums of money players with far less production have been handed over the past few seasons. While Welker may not be materialistic, it wouldn't be a surprise if his sense of fairness was on alert as the time for negotiations approach. Welker, who had more than 400 young players at his camp at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, also told assembled media he's been working out in Florida and that - while he hasn't yet thrown with Tom Brady - the two have been in touch and plan to hook up soon. Welker also expressed a level of frustration with the ongoing labor mess. "Growing up, not having much, the fact we're squabbling about money is ridiculous to me," he said. "I came into this league and probably made more money than I ever thought I would in a lifetime. Everything from here is just icing on the cake.Hopefully we get something fair done and can move on and get to where we can play some football."
Tom E. Curran can be reached at tcurran@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Tom on Twitter at http:twitter.comtomecurran