New England Patriots WR Wes Welker signs tender, still hopes for new deal - NFL News
New England Patriots wide receiver, Wes Welker, continues to wait for a new long term deal as talks between him and the franchise remain stalled.
However, Welker in order to not miss out on the team’s mandatory minicamp and get back to training with his teammates signed his franchise tender on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old’s was out of a contract at the end of the 2011-12 season and with no agreement in sight the Patriots put one of their best players on the franchise tender to keep him from entering free agency and signing up for another team.
Welker confirmed on his Twitter account that he has signed the tender to be with his teammates although he still hopes that the Patriots will give him a new deal.
"I signed my tender today. I love the game and I love my teammates! Hopefully doing the right thing gets the right results. #leapoffaith," he wrote.
Without a contract players cannot participate in the mandatory training camps and Welker will now be able to train with the franchise ahead of the new 2012-13 season.
The tender guarantees the wide receiver approximately $ 9.5 million for the upcoming season.
The wide receiver was one of the Patriots best players last season as he helped the franchise reach the Super Bowl with some brilliant performances.
Welker became quarterback, Tom Brady’s most used option as he made 122 receptions for a gain of 1,569 receiving yards and scored nine touchdowns.
However, last season for Welker will always be remembered by his dropped catch in the final quarter of the Super Bowl XLVI.
That incomplete pass ended what looked like the Patriots game winning drive and their opponents New York Giants took full advantage after regaining possession.
The Giants drove forward and scored the game winning touchdown to once again defeat the Patriots.
With his tender signed, Welker has till July to work out a new deal with the franchise which will keep him in Boston for the long term.
If no deal is signed the wide receiver will become a free agent next season and could possibly move on to another team.
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