These Wes Welker rumors have been quite a whirlwind, haven't they? The latest report, from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, is that talks between Welker and the Patriots have broken off completely:

Per sources: Talks between Wes Welker and #Patriots are over at this point. Welker exploring free agency #Intrigue #FreeAgency

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2013

Furthermore, according to Rapoport, the Patriots are using a potential Welker replacement, Danny Amendola, as leverage in negotiations:

A consistent theme around these Patriots-Wes Welker talks: Danny Amendola is waiting in the wings… #FreeAgency

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2013

If you're hoping for a Welker return, this isn't good news. At this point, it looks like Welker will test the open market. If the market proves to be depressed for slot receivers such as himself, perhaps the teams still work something out. However, at this point, with communication completely cut off, the Patriots need to act. And that could spell the end of Welker in New England.