"Nice to see the Patriots proactive for a change, and getting a contract extension done with Jerod Mayo before pushing it to the limit, and risking potential rancor and/or bitterness a la Logan Mankins and Asante Samuel, just to mention two.

It was a good move. Now it's time to settle up with Wes Welker.

As we all know, the wide receiver, who leads the league in receptions (104) and receiving yards (1,380), is in the final year of his contract. He becomes a free agent at season's end."