When Wes Welker signed on the dotted line, he didn't think that he would be replaced before the ink could dry.

 

The Patroits took the lyrics from Beyonce's song literally: "I can have another you in a minute Matter fact, he'll be here in a minute". And in what seemed like a minute, they signed receiver Danny Amendola.

 

Wes Welker was no doubt hoping for at least a little panic and maybe a small feeling of regret by his former employers for the lowball offer that they put forth. But before he made it home to hear the announcement of his trade on ESPN, Welker learned the hard way he had been replaced. The Pats had a Plan B so ready to go, it hit the airwaves at warp speed.

 

Both the timing of the Patriots signing of his replacement and the immediate valuation of his talent, as indicated by a very similar contract to the one Welker signed, had to hurt.

 

Welker may have felt disrespected and decided to move on. But was it worth it? Which is better, being undervalued on a good team with whom you have been successful or making a little more money on a team full of question marks? 

 

Maybe Welker should reflect on the fact that very few players find success after leaving the Patriots. Maybe he should have looked long and hard at his options. 

 

According to reports, the Patriots had been talking to Amendola's representatives for a while, which is probably why the team made such a bargain basement offer to Welker.

 

Amendola looks a lot like a younger Welker and New England is banking on that. Bill Belichick has proven he doesn't mind making bold moves during his reign. Figuratively speaking, with similar moves the results have been extreme; he either throws for a touchdown or fumbles in the end zone.

 

As we await the upcoming season, most players in the NFL should stop and listen to Irreplaceable before deciding to leave one love for another, because as teams have shown time and again, that's one song that will remain the same.