Welker spoke to reporters Tuesday in New York City during the NFL's unveiling of the new Nike uniforms, and he said he's "excited to be back with the Patriots," according to ESPN.com.
However, Welker was coy about his plans to report to Gillette Stadium for organized team activities. The Patriots can begin their offseason program as early as April 16, but there hasn't been a date announced at this point.
"I don't know," Welker said, according to NFL.com. "I'm not quite sure yet. We'll have to wait and see how things go. But to tell you the truth, I really haven't made up my mind yet."
The Patriots placed their franchise tag on Welker, which guarantees him about $9.4 million this season, but sources close to Welker said he worked out like mad last offseason with a long-term contract in mind. Sources close to Welker also say they don't believe he'll hold out.
Welker followed it up with the best season of his life, catching a league-leading 122 passes (one shy of his career best) with career highs of 1,569 yards and nine touchdowns. Yet Welker said there hasn't been much progress made toward a long-term deal.
"Not that I know of," Welker said, according to ESPN.com. "The only progress that I know of is the same, as far as the franchise tag."
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