National Football League
Welker, Broncos agree on 2-year deal
National Football League

Welker, Broncos agree on 2-year deal

Published Mar. 13, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

Wes Welker will be catching passes from Peyton Manning instead of Tom Brady.

The Denver Broncos and Welker have agreed to a two-year deal worth a reported $12 million.

Broncos boss John Elway announced the move through his Twitter account on Wednesday. Said Elway: ''Excited to have Wes join the Broncos. His production & toughness will be a great asset!''

The move gives Manning another dangerous wide receiver paired with Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas. Welker has proven one of the NFL’s most productive pass-catchers since joining the Patriots following a 2007 trade with Miami. Welker is the all-time leading receiver in New England history with 662 receptions in the past six seasons, including five 100-catch campaigns in that span. He caught 118 passes for 1,354 yards and six TDs last season.

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The Patriots, though, have long butted heads with Welker about a contract extension. Hours later, New England agreed to terms with slot receiver Danny Amendola on a five-year, $31 million deal, NFL Network reported.

Welker was designated New England’s franchise player last year when the Patriots were unable to reach agreement on a long-term deal. The Patriots didn’t designate him a franchise player this season and contract talks have apparently proven fruitless once again.

Welker, 31, will be entering his ninth NFL season in 2013. Such age is believed a contributing factor in why New England didn’t push harder to re-sign Welker.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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