Wes Welker to Rams: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Wes Welker, one of the most prolific NFL receivers of his generation, agreed to a contract with the St. Louis Rams on Nov. 9. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network noted he is will be available to play against the Chicago Bears in Week 10.

The Rams captured a photo of Welker signing his contract:

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

Rapoport added details of the contract:

On Nov. 13, ESPN's Adam Caplan noted the deal is $1.17 million over one year, earning $25,000 per game that he's active.

Welker, 34, has a history of concussions and has endured plenty of wear and tear as an undersized slot receiver and punt and kick returner. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller weighed in on Welker's precarious situation in January:

ESPN's Trey Wingo expressed a similar sentiment Monday:

That concern likely contributed to Welker's price on the open market being driven down during the offseason and the fact that he didn't sign with any team until now. But he has five seasons with 111 receptions or more, though he recorded only 49 catches in eight starts and 14 games last year.

The Boston Globe's Ben Volin wrote a story about Welker and the Broncos last October that included Welker's thoughts on his role:

"

I'm at a point in my career where [stats are] never really the important thing for me. The important thing is winning ballgames, and whatever I can do to help my team do that, then that's my role, and I'm totally fine with that.

I don't feel like I've ever really had an ego like that. I know my role. As long as we're winning ballgames, you won't hear anything out of me.

"

Even if Welker has lost a step, he should still have phenomenal quickness, a tremendous football IQ and an uncanny knack for getting open. All those qualities evidently outweighed any concerns St. Louis had about his durability or the cumulative tread on his tires.

The Rams must feel fortunate to have Welker in the fold. No matter what he contributes on the gridiron, he can provide a mentor-like presence in the locker room and on the practice field that could be invaluable to any number of his new fellow receivers.

With Stedman Bailey suspended for the next four games, per Myles Simmons of the team's official website, and Brian Quick struggling to regain his 2014 form, there's a real chance for Welker to contribute right away. St. Louis quarterback Nick Foles runs an offense that ranks dead-last in passing and leans heavily on rookie running back Todd Gurley. 

Welker is a quick-twitch slot weapon who could emerge as a go-to target for Foles in key situations. Although Tavon Austin is a similar player, he's far less versed in the nuances of the position and is more of a big-play threat than a possession receiver.

Also, it can't get much worse for the Rams on third down. Per TeamRankings.com, they're last in the NFL with a meager 23.8 percent success rate. Any help Welker can provide in that area in particular could be a huge boon for a playoff contender lacking in such a critical area.