Wes Welker Signs Franchise Tender

FOXBORO, Mass. (WPRI) -- Wes Welker will be a New England Patriot next season.

The Boston Globe first reported Welker signed his franchise tender with the team Tuesday. Under the terms of the franchise tender, the wide receiver will get approximately $9.5 million to play next year.

Some had worried Welker would hold out of Training Camp until a long term deal was reached. Now he and the Patriots have until mid-July to work out a new contract. If no agreement is reached, he will play out the 2012 season under the franchise tag.

Welker spoke out on his Twitter account saying, ""I signed my tender today. I love the game and I love my teammates! Hopefully doing the right thing gets the right results. #leapoffaith".

Welker joined the Patriots in 2007, and has since been named to the NFL Pro Bowl four times. He tore his ACL and MCL in his left knee during the final regular season game of the 2009 season.