Report: Wes Welker, Patriots Can't Come to Terms on Deal, Receiver Will Play Season Under Franchise Tag

Report: Wes Welker, Patriots Can’t Come to Terms on Deal, Receiver Will Play Season Under Franchise Tag

by Mike Cole on Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 4:28PM

Wes Welker will be playing with the Patriots this season, but after that, there's a lot more uncertainty.

Multiple reports indicate that the two sides couldn't come to terms on a contract before Monday's 4 p.m. deadline, and because of that, the wide receiver will now play this season under the organization's franchise tag. That also means that the two sides won't be able to negotiate a new deal until after the season.

Welker will make $9.5 million this season.

The NFL Network's Albert Breer reported via Twitter that the two sides "weren't even close to an agreement." The Boston Herald's Jeff Howe also reported via Twitter that Welker and the Patriots talked on Monday, but nothing came of it.

Welker led the league in receptions last season, the third time in his five years with the Patriots that he's achieved that.