The New England Patriots received some good news today, as Albert Breer of NFL.com reports that wide receiver Wes Welker has officially signed his franchise tender, ensuring his presence on the team for the entirety of the 2012 NFL season.
Signing the tender means that Welker’s salary, which was slated to be $9.5 million will be fully guaranteed. It also means that he will likely be in attendance when the Patriots begin their organized team activities next week.
The former undrafted free agent from Texas Tech is coming off his best season in the NFL, as he set a career-high with 1,569 receiving yards on a league-leading 122 receptions. He also caught nine touchdown passes, which was also a career-best.
The speedy slot receiver enters his ninth NFL season and just turned 31 on May 1st, meaning he still has plenty left in the tank, as he continues to work with the Patriots on a long-term deal that will allow him to end his career in New England.
