Wes Welker signed his franchise tender with the New England Patriots, a source with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday, and will be guaranteed $9.515 million in base salary next season.
The four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver later confirmed the news on Twitter.
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
The signing comes one day after Welker, who wants a long-term deal, told WEEI Radio he had "$9.5 million reasons why I won't miss any regular-season games." The Patriots have organized team activities next week, but Welker isn't required to report to the team facility until a full-squad minicamp in mid-June.
Signing his franchise tender was the best move Patriots WR
Wes Welker could have made, Ian Rapoport writes. More
...Welker didn't participate in the Patriots' voluntary workout program last month.
"Through my body of work, through the past five years, I think what I've done -- I've earned a long-term deal," Welker told ESPNBoston.com in April. "It's what I am looking for and what I want. Hopefully that's the case, and hopefully we come to something where we can make that happen."
Welker, a nine-year NFL veteran, has played the last five seasons in New England. He caught 122 passes for 1,569 yards and nine touchdowns in 2011.
Follow Albert Breer on Twitter @AlbertBreer






















