What can Wes Welker bring to the St. Louis Rams?

The St. Louis Rams finally answered the call that has echoed through the Edward Jones Dome since the beginning of the season, sign a veteran wide receiver, and they did just that late on Monday.

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Even if the Rams felt their hand was forced, they signed free-agent wide receiver Wes Welker to a one-year deal worth up to $700,000 with incentives. The main reason for brining the veteran to town was the loss of receiver Stedman Bailey for the next four weeks due to a failed drug test, but one could also argue that the poor play of the receiving corps contributed to the signing as well. Welker can reach the maximum value of his deal through playing time catches and other incentives.

Welker has not played in the NFL since Week 17 of the 2014 season when he finished with the Denver Broncos. He played in 14 games that season catching 49 passes for 464 yard and two touchdowns. Those numbers would have put him in the middle of the pack for the St. Louis Rams receiving corps that year. Welker is only three years removed from consecutive 1,300+ receiving yard seasons in New England.

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker (83) Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Welker, now 34-years-old, fell out of relevancy in the league after suffering three separate concussions between November 2013 and August 2014. Head coach Jeff Fisher responded to some of the criticism that came with the signing in regards to Welker’s health.

"“We’ve done physicals, we’ve done everything.” Fisher said. “I think he’ll eventually move the chains for us.” (Marc Sessler, NFL.com)"

Obviously, the Rams are hoping for a healthy productive Welker. The Welker that was an integral piece in the Patriots and Broncos passing game of the last seven seasons, but that may be unreasonable. However, he should provide a few things for one of the worst collections of wide receivers in the league.

He will bring a veteran presence this team has lacked for quite some time. He provide great advice for younger stars like Tavon Austin. His route running was some of the best in the league in his prime. Welker was consistently open, playing primarily in the slot throughout his career. His sure hands will be a welcome addition for quarterback Nick Foles, and, most importantly, he should help the Rams horrible third down conversion rate.

Welker’s 890 career receptions include 515 that have gone for a first down. Those 515 catches rank seventh among active NFL receivers. St. Louis currently ranks dead last in the league with a third down conversion rate of just 23.8 percent.

Welker should add some much needed consistency to the Rams passing game, but it will be a process that will take time. Welker will need to learn as much of a new playbook as possible in a short amount of time. It’s possible rookie Bradley Marquez gets his first start at wide receiver this Sunday against Chicago if Welker is unable to go. If he can’t go this week, it’s safe to say he will be ready when the team travels to Baltimore.

Welker is just shy of 10,000 career receiving yards with 9,822. He has 50 career touchdowns and has played for the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and Denver Broncos over the span of 12 seasons.

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