Voluntary. Offseason. Workouts.
They start today in Foxboro. Nobody's going to pay much attention to the first word, though. Voluntary. Clucking and tsk-tsking will be the fallout if a player opts to work out on his own away from Foxboro.
Especially if said player is having a little bit of contract strife.
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Wes Welker fits that bill. He's been given the franchise tag by the Patriots and, even though it's very likely he'll play for the one-year, 9.5 million, he won't be in Foxboro for the first phase of these workouts. He hasn't signed his franchise tender which means he's not under contract.
He can attend and participate.
I've spouted the notion he couldn't; the NFL sent a memo to teams -- obtained by Pro Football Talk -- which states in part that "players whose contracts have expired but whose teams retain exclusive negotiating rights (may participate in the offseason program)."
Either way, Welker is not expected to be in Foxboro, at least for Phase One of the workouts.
Big deal? Not really. It is "news" but it's not "bad news" if you're a dedicated follower of the Patriots.
Former Patriot Dan Klecko who also played for the Colts, Eagles and Falcons, was asked if it's a crisis if Welker didn't attend the start of these workouts.
"Not even close, especially for a guy like Wes," said Klecko. "He knows how to get ready and how to take care of himself. Two years ago it would have been a big deal because of his knee, but its' not a big deal now. It's weightlifting and running. You run, lift, have an ice bath and you're home by 1 o'clock. If he doesn't show up for OTAs and minicamp, then you have an issue. But right now, who gives a (poop)."
It's important to note that, during Phase One of the program, coaches can't even observe the players' workouts.
Mike Florio of PFT waded into the CBA and explained that,
"Phase One lasts for two weeks, and the activities are limited to strength and conditioning and physical rehabilitation. Only strength and conditioning coaches may be present; other coaches may not attend or observe in any way. Footballs cannot be used, with the exception of quarterbacks throwing to uncovered receivers. No helmets may be worn."
Welker has acknowledged that the franchise salary is a lot of money, but he's also made clear he wants a long-term deal. The Patriots have said they want him here long term. There's been no progress toward a deal.
But Welker choosing to lift and run apart from the team during Phase One should not be construed as a shot across the Patriots bow.
Skipping Phase Three of the offseason workouts -- OTAs and minicamp -- could be seen as a message. But no Welker in Foxboro this week is really no big deal.