You’re talking about a distance in the range of around $6 million in guaranteed money. That’s not to say the sides can’t agree. The Patriots could very well give in a little bit at the end. Essentially what they will be asking themselves is this: What kind of year do we think Welker will have? If the Patriots feel he will repeat his terrific production of a year ago or close to it, then right now they need to figure out what they would do after this season. Welker led the league, by a wide margin, with 122 receptions, and was second to Calvin Johnson of the Lions with 1,569 yards. If Welker, 31, comes close to that in 2012, are the Patriots prepared to let him walk, perhaps to a team like the Jets, and go forward with some assortment of Brandon Lloyd, Deion Branch, Jabar Gaffney, and Donte’ Stallworth? If they are, then let Welker play out the tag and bid him adieu. He’s not going to sign a team-friendly deal after another standout season.