FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - The New England Patriots have announced that Wes
Welker has signed a franchise tender contract.
The team's announcement comes about a week after Welker posted on his Twitter
account that he inked the $9.5 million deal that comes with being the team's
designated franchise player.
The Patriots also announced the signing of sixth-round draft choice Nate
Ebner, a defensive back from Ohio State. Terms of the contract were not
disclosed.
Welker, who has earned four straight Pro Bowl selections, leads the NFL with
554 receptions since joining the Patriots in 2007.
He led the NFL with 122 receptions and finished second in the NFL in with a
franchise-record 1,569 yards receiving in 2011.
