The Redskins have been searching for middle linebackers ever since I can remember.

Besides signing Adalius Thomas, a huge upgrade at their declining linebacker position, the Patriots basically scared the Dolphins into trading returner/receiver Wes Welker to them for a second and seventh-round pick last night. Welker will become the Patriots’ younger version of Troy Brown (36 vs. 26), plus the Patriots believe he could learn all three receiver positions in their offense. Welker may not be Deion Branch, but Coach Bill Belichick wants to give it a shot.

You have to wonder what Chris Simms is thinking. You can bet that his father, Phil Simms, isn’t too happy with head coach Jon Gruden after the Bucs gave Jeff Garcia the same contract ($7 million for two seasons) that Simms is playing for while also securing the rights to former Denver starter Jake Plummer.

The Chicago Bears’ fan convention is a month away, and head coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jerry Angelo will arrive with new contracts.

When is the right time to draft a quarterback in the first round?