PALM BEACH -- Conversations on a long-term extension for Wes Welker seem likely this week at the NFL Owner's Meetings.
Welker's agent, David Dunn, is here and Patriots owner Robert Kraft noted Tuesday, "Well, our personnel people are here . . ."
The question about whether negotiations with the franchised wide receiver will pick up gave Kraft a portal into showering Welker with affection.
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"I'm happy he's part of our team this year and I hope he'll be part of our team long term. He represents everything we love," said Kraft.
Kraft also had warm words for BenJarvus Green-Ellis, the Patriots running back that signed with the Bengals last week.
"BenJarvus, I'm so sorry that he left us," Kraft said to a Cincinnati reporter. "You're getting a gem. He was one of the finest players to come through our system. He never fumbled once in four years, I think, over 600 carries. He's a gentleman, he's a hard worker and I'm just sorry you paid him more than we were willing to pay him."