Latest Updates on Ray Rice, Wes Welker and Disgruntled NFL Stars

They're all heartbeats of their teams, but their hearts aren't content with their current contract situations.

Ray Rice and Wes Welker received the franchise tags from their respective clubs in early March but have yet to sign the tender.

I know, both guys could be making more than $7.6 million next season, but they're only guaranteed one-year contracts. 

Players of their caliber, that have been productive for multiple years in the league, want more security in the form of a long-term deal.

First, let's update Rice's current situation.

The NFL's 2011 yards from scrimmage leader met up with Will Brinson of CBSSports.com at the Nike NFL uniform unveiling earlier in the week and had this to say about the contract talks and the franchise tag:

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"Ummmmm … agent discussions," Rice, smiling a little bit, said when asked if he would sign the tag. "Nah, we're waiting to see what's up [before signing the tender]. We just have to figure out what's best for me and my family right now. I want to be a part of the offseason program, I want to be a part of the team and obviously this works on both ends. I think progress is being made. I know things don't happen overnight, but a lot of things can change in weeks, months, time. So when it happens, it happens."

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Rice went on to say that the rumor of his desire for "Adrian Peterson" money was false. He also logically pointed out that he has better stats than some players who make more in than him. 

We'll see if he strikes a long-term deal with Baltimore, signs his franchise tender or maybe he'll hold out of the start of the team's offseason program. 

Wes Welker seems to be more at ease about striking a big deal with the Patriots, but he hasn't totally ruled out a holdout, either. 

Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald caught up with Welker at the NYC event, too. She asked a few questions about the contract situation. 

His answers:

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“I don’t know. I’m not quite sure yet,” Welker said. “We’ll have to wait and see how things go. To tell you the truth, I haven’t made up my mind yet.”

Both the Patriots brass and Welker’s agent, David Dunn, were in Palm Beach, Fla., for the league meetings last week. It seemed like an opportunity to perhaps move closer to a deal. When asked if any progress had been made, Welker didn’t portray an optimistic picture.

“The only progress I know of is the same, you know?” he said, “And that’s the franchise tag.” Welker didn’t express disappointment over the lack of progress.

“Not really. It’s a lot of money,” Welker said of the tender offer. “I’m definitely kind of excited about it.”

"

It'll be interesting to see what happens with Welker and the Patriots, a team that may be leery of signing a highly productive wideout that's completely different than the Calvin Johnsons, Larry Fitzgeralds and Andre Johnsons of the receiving world. 

Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed isn't pleased with his contract, which expires at the end of 2012, either. 

He had this to say during an interview with 105.7 The Fan in Baltimore (via ProFootballTalk): 

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I plan on playing. Everybody in the world knows plans can change. I got some unfinished business. I got a lot on my mind I’ve been thinking about. The truth of the matter is, it’s about respect. It’s about getting respect and it’s a business.

For what I offer on the football field, for what I give on the football field and for what they know they’re going to get, it’s much more than these young guys out here today and what they’re getting.

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Another intriguing contract dispute worth watching, especially with Reed now 33 years of age. 

For those wondering, there's not any fresh news regarding the Matt Forte-Chicago Bears contract saga. The latest major occurrence came when Lovie Smith openly supported Forte after the running back's rant on Twitter.

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