Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker has signed his franchise tender, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
By signing the franchise tender, Welker’s $9.515 million base salary for 2012 is fully guaranteed.
The timing coincides with Patriots’ OTAs starting next week. Welker is hosting his youth football camp in the Boston area over the weekend, as well.
Welker confirmed the signing on Twitter.
Even having signed the tender, Welker isn’t required to report to the facility until the team holds its full-squad minicamp in mid-June.
“There’s $9.5 million reasons why I won’t miss any regular season games,” Welker said on WEEI Radio on Monday.
“Through my body of work, through the past five years, I think what I’ve done — I’ve earned a long-term deal,” the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver 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.”
The nine-year NFL veteran has played the last five seasons in New England.
Last season, he caught 122 passes for nine touchdowns and 1,569 yards.
WRITTEN BY Albert Breer - Follow Albert Breer on Twitter @AlbertBreer & FULL STORY HERE
