The Facts: A team source told ESPN.com on Saturday that the Patriots plan to sign Welker to a restricted free agent offer sheet in an attempt to pirate him away from the Dolphins. The Dolphins earlier this week made Welker a qualifying offer of $1.3 million.
Diehards Line:When the Patriots officially execute the offer sheet to Welker, the Dolphins will have seven days to either match it or pass on it. If Miami matches the offer sheet, it will retain Welker at the terms of the deal New England negotiated with him. If the Dolphins do not match the offer sheet, they will receive a second-round pick in the 2007 draft from the Patriots as compensation.