Should Wes Welker get a new contract

It's hard to replace 122 receptions, but Wes Welker is in a unique situation. He just signed the designated franchise tag for $9.5 million. That should suffice for one season. But the problem is question is the long-term. He wants a new contract, but the Patriots seem to be shying away. 

While Welker was an integral part of their offense, they've got many weapons who could replace his production. For starters, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are two of the best tight ends in the NFL. They present mismatch problems every week for opposing teams. Between Brandon Lloyd, Deion Branch, and Jabar Gaffney, the receptions can be spread around plenty. Anyway, Tom Brady has thrived before without having a bonafide wide receiver. 

The problem is that Wes Welker is 31. He's not worth shelling out top 5 receiver money to because he's more a product of the system. This guy isn't Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson, or Larry Fitzgerald. He's a smaller slot receiver who specializes at working the middle. The Patriots have tight ends who can do that already. 

I would give Welker an extension, but if he's asking for big money, I don't believe the Patriots will offer. They would still be in a good position even if he left.