While the New England Patriots dispute the notion that they are phasing out Wes Welker, several sources said they could be preparing to trade him.

In giving more snaps to Julian Edelamn, the Patriots may be evaluating how their offense can perform without Welker.

Several sources said a trade by New England of Welker is more than a remote possibility.

A team source within the Patriots said the speculation concerning Welker being phased out os wrong.

"All of this about Wes just isn't true," the official said. "He isn't being phased out. He isn't being phased out. He's not being punished. All of this speculation is just wrong. It's flat-out wrong."

The official added: "Think about how obvious it would be to phase out Wes Welker."