Wes Welker: Patriots Star Signs Franchise Tender to Stay in New England

Wes Welker signed his franchise tender with the New England Patriots on Tuesday, according to Greg A. Bedard of the Boston Globe.

Bedard tweeted:

"

Patriots WR Wes Welker has signed his franchise tender, according to a league source.

— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) May 15, 2012"

Welker had been contemplating skipping the team's minicamp this month as he tried to work out a multiyear deal, but he ultimately decided to focus on football and let the chips fall where they may moving forward.

Welker tweeted on Tuesday:

"

I signed my tender today. I love the game and I love my teammates! Hopefully doing the right thing gets the right results. #leapoffaith

— Wes Welker (@WesWelker) May 15, 2012"

Welker had 122 catches for 1,569 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He's been Tom Brady's go-to guy for the past five years in Boston, averaging nearly 111 catches per season. He's exemplified the team-first philosophy New England has preached and has been a constant in a receiving corps that has changed year in and year out.

While the Patriots rarely hand out massive deals, Welker is a player they may want to sign to a bigger contract down the line, just because he's been in sync with Brady for so long. He is getting older, at 31 years of age, but he's still highly productive.

Welker stands to make $9.5 million in 2012.

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