2012 NFL Free Agents: Why New England Patriots Must Re-Sign Wes Welker

The New England Patriots showed all season long that they could really use an influx of young talent at a few positions, despite reaching Super Bowl XLVI. While they need to find a solid No. 2 receiver, they certainly need to lock up the guy who occupies the No. 1 spot at wideout for a long time.

Wes Welker is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and there is no reason New England should even consider allowing him to walk. While most signs point to a deal getting done, nothing is certain, and this needs to be the franchise's top priority of the offseason.

All Welker did in 2011 was lead the NFL in receptions (122) and finish second in receiving yards (1,569) while scoring nine touchdowns. He became just the second player in NFL history to top 120 receptions in a season (Cris Carter is the other) and his chemistry with quarterback Tom Brady is as good as ever.

In four of the past five seasons, Welker has topped 110 catches. In those five years, he has averaged 110.8 receptions, 1,221 yards and has 31 touchdowns. That kind of production is simply incredible.

Welker will turn 31 this offseason, so obviously he won't get anything longer than a five-year deal. However, when you consider how productive he is and how well he fits New England's offense, he deserves to be paid as well as any receiver in the NFL.

With Brady, Welker, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez in the fold, the Patriots will only need to add a viable No. 2 receiver—preferably someone who can stretch the field—to boast the NFL's most dangerous passing attack. 

While the Patriots are no doubt considering making changes to their aging roster following a terribly disappointing loss in the Super Bowl, one guy they shouldn't even question bringing back is Welker.

There is almost no chance he lands elsewhere. He wants to be back and New England needs him back. It will get done.