Wes Welker: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent WR

Wes Welker is set to hit the free-agent market after a two-year stint with the Denver Broncos. It isn't clear exactly how effective he can be after a down season in 2014 or whether he plans to play at all.

Continue for updates.

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Dolphins 'Remain in the Mix' for Welker

Wednesday, April 15

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that the Dolphins "remain in the mix" for Welker.

On April 8, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reported Welker would visit the Dolphins. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com added that this was Welker's first official visit of the offseason. Rapoport later reported Welker left the facility without a deal.

He began his career with the Chargers, but he enjoyed early successes with the Dolphins in 2005 and 2006.

Bleacher Report NFL Analyst Chris Simms shared his thoughts on whether Welker is a good fit for Miami:

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Broncos, Other Teams Remain Uninterested in Welker

Tuesday, March 31

Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk reported that no one seems to be interested in Welker this offseason:

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Free agency dominates the month of March in the NFL, and by the end of the month, if a player hasn't signed with anyone, that's usually a pretty good indication that the player isn't drawing much interest.

In the case of Wes Welker, there's been no talk at all about any team trying to sign him. A recent Denver Post report saying it would be a surprise if the Broncos brought him back is just about the only thing anyone has said about him since free agency started.

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ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold reported the following Feb. 22:

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With Wes Welker scheduled to be a free agent and the Broncos not expected to bring him back, [Cody] Latimer will be asked to do far more in the offense. The Broncos also saw what everybody else saw this past week in Indianapolis: A deep, athletic group of wide receivers that could reach into the draft’s third day.

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Simms: Bears, Chargers and Texans Among Favorites for Welker

Friday, Feb. 20

Team Stream Now NFL Analyst Chris Simms reported on three potential landing spots for Welker next season:

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Welker Comments on NFL Future

Monday, Feb. 16

Mike Klis of The Denver Post provided comments from Welker, who said he is not mulling retirement, as previously reported. Welker text-messaged The Denver Post, "Just getting ready for 2015."

Regarding reports he is considering hanging up the cleats, Welker said, "Never ever came out of my mouth."

On Feb. 10, Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports reported Welker was contemplating retirement:

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The 33-year-old wide receiver, who is slated to become a free agent next month, is considering retirement after several years of head injuries and declining production.

One of the sources said no final decision has been made, though Welker has told concerned friends, family members and associates he's at least giving serious thought to walking away.

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Welker is coming off his worst statistical campaign since his second year in the league with the Miami Dolphins back in 2005. He caught just 49 passes for 464 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games during the regular season as his role in the Denver offense decreased considerably.

Beyond the fading numbers, the 33-year-old wideout is also an injury concern given his history of concussion problems. After spending his career taking brutal hits over the middle while working out of the slot, his body may not be able to handle much more punishment.

As Welker explained, it was difficult to shy away from contact when there was a chance to make a play.

"Every time I get clobbered, I pretty much know I'm going to get clobbered," Welker told Kevin Van Valkenburg of ESPN The Magazine. "You try not to take those hits, but at the same time, you've got to try and make the play, as well. It's kind of that fine line with stuff."

The cumulative effect of those blows is something both the longtime New England Patriots star and any interested teams will take into consideration.

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

That said, his track record is one few active receivers can match. He had a stretch in New England in which he caught at least 111 passes in five of six seasons. His ability to run precise routes from the slot, especially on third down, was a major reason the offense had so much success.

He continued to flash that niche playmaking skill during his first season in Denver. However, a number of elements played a role in his production drop-off, including the coaching staff's concerted effort to become more balanced offensively. The key for potential suitors is determining how much he can still provide.

The two most important factors will be the system and his health. The Broncos didn't look his way nearly as often with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders dominating the targets. And staying on the field is obviously essential to any deal being successful.