Wes Welker is back.
The 34-year-old wide receiver signed with the Rams on Monday.
And it’s done. Wes Welker and the #Rams have agreed to terms, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 9, 2015
The Rams signed Welker essentially to replace Stedman Bailey, who was suspended for four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Rams WR Stedman Bailey is being suspended four games for violating NFL’s Substance Abuse Policy, per league sources. Withdrew appeal today. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 9, 2015
Any discussion of Welker has to start with his concussion history. He suffered three concussions in a nine-month span in 2013 and 2014. That likely makes him more vulnerable than most players to future concussions. With only half a season left, Welker can’t be sitting out any games if he’s going to help the Rams (4-4) make a playoff push.
I won’t welcome back Wes Welker to the NFL, as I don’t believe he should be playing anymore. How many is too many Wes?
— Steven Edwards (@SportsEdwards) November 10, 2015
Even if Welker avoids any more concussions, his productivity likely will be limited in at least his first game because he’ll need to learn the Rams’ playbook.
The Rams could use any receiving help they can get. They’re last in the league with 1,417 passing yards. Their leading receiver, Tavon Austin, has just 28 receptions. The Rams have converted 23.8 percent of their third downs, last in the league, according to ESPN.com. New England, one of Welker’s former teams, has made 48.5 percent.
Welker’s route tree is perfect for a team that’s struggling to convert third downs. He specializes to short-to-intermediate passes over the middle.
Welker is 20th on the all-time list with 890 receptions. Most of those passes have come out of the hands of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, although Welker did catch 108 of his 111 passes from Matt Cassel in 2008.
Nick Foles won’t be mistaken for Brady or Manning anytime soon, and the 2015 Welker won’t be mistaken for the 2012 Welker.
Welker has experienced a steady decline since catching 118 passes for the Patriots three years ago. He contributed to the Broncos’ Super Bowl run in 2013. He caught 73 passes, including 10 for touchdowns. Last season, however, he caught just 49 passes.
The Rams can’t be blamed for taking a flier on Welker. They’re tied with the Seahawks in the NFC West and a game and a half behind the Falcons in the race for the final wild-card spot.
However, if the Rams do make the playoffs, they’ll have to do it on the strength of elite rookie running back Todd Gurley and a defense that’s tied for second in the NFL with 27 sacks and ranks in the top 10 in points allowed, yards allowed and passing yards allowed.
Welker is past his prime and there always will be concerns about another concussion. The Rams shouldn’t expect him to be the missing piece that gets them into the postseason.