Wes Welker Reportedly Signs 1-Year Contract with St. Louis Rams

Wes Welker has reportedly made his return to the NFL, agreeing to a deal with the St. Louis Rams. He hasn't played in the NFL this season, but the veteran wideout appears to be close to a return to the league.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the two sides agreed to a one-year deal after Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Welker and the Rams were "working out the final details."

Head coach Jeff Fisher spoke on negotiations, saying, "We are hoping to come to terms with Wes Welker," via Dani Klupenger of Fox Sports Midwest. "We believe he can help us and this offense."

Rapoport reported Welker worked out for the Rams on Monday, per a source. According to Rapoport, Welker previously had two workouts and passed two physicals with unnamed teams, but he ultimately didn't sign a contract.

The process of trying to find the right situation was starting to wear on the wideout, as he told Rapoport:

"

The frustrating part sometimes is you look out there on the field and you see guys who are playing, and you're like, "I should be playing." That gets me a little bit. I love being at home with my kids, but at the same time, you have that itch and you're looking out there and seeing how you can fit in with this team or that and there's never really a perfect plan.

"

Welker, 34, is no longer in his prime, which is certainly a factor in his continued free agency. So too is the fact he suffered multiple concussions later in his career—or that as a slot receiver he needs to be utilized in a specialized role. His production did dip during his two years with the Denver Broncos, though he still managed to snag a career-high 10 touchdown receptions in 2013 with the team.

In his career, Welker has accumulated 890 receptions, 9,822 receiving yards and 50 touchdowns in stints with the Miami Dolphins, the New England Patriots and the Broncos. He had five seasons with 100 or more receptions and 1,000 or more receiving yards, and it's hard to imagine he couldn't at least play a role for a contending team out of the slot.