Wes Welker Proving a Very Valuable Signing for the Broncos

Sep 29, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker (83) breaks a tackle by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham (55) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Eagles 52-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

At $1 million per touchdown, it appears as though wide receiver Wes Welker is already more than proving his worth as a big ticket free agent signing for the Denver Broncos.

Just one year after signing Peyton Manning to a mega deal, the Broncos brought in Welker at a relatively cheap two-years and $12 million, a contract that looks like it was worth every penny.

Welker was slapped with the franchise tag his final year in New England, worth about $9.5 million, so annually he actually took a bit of a pay cut to come play for the Broncos with a fully guaranteed $12 million contract.

Through the first four games of the season, Welker hasn’t had to be the reception machine he was in New England because the Broncos have Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, and Julius Thomas also competing for targets, but he’s already got six touchdowns on the year, which leads the team.

Peyton Manning has thrown 16 touchdowns through four games, which is tying records of guys named “Milt Plum”, so you know it’s a big deal, and the fact that just under half of them have gone to Welker is pretty fascinating.

Welker is a guy who simply finds ways to get open, especially in the red zone. The Broncos have managed to get him on the board for a touchdown in all four games this season, something that no other player on the team (besides Manning) can say.

Welker’s career-high is nine touchdown catches, and he appears well on his way to breaking that mark, possibly even by the mid-season point.