Wes Welker Agrees to Join Denver Broncos for Two Years, $12 Million

by Luke Hughes on Wed, Mar 13, 2013 at 5:07PM

The Wes Welker saga in New England is over, and it might not be welcome news for Patriots fans.

Welker, who was stuck in negotiations with the Patriots since the end of the season, has agreed to join the Denver Broncos on a multiyear deal, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Wes Welker has agreed to terms with Denver Broncos.
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Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2013

The Patriots took a hard-line stance on Welker, unwilling to budge from what was apparently a “lowball offer” and forcing him to seek a deal elsewhere. It just so happens that he chose the Broncos and Tom Brady‘s arch-rival Peyton Manning instead.

Welker had whittled down his list of options to either the Patriots or Broncos earlier on Wednesday, and after getting a serious offer from the Broncos decided to go back and give the Patriots one last chance to keep him. They apparently refused.

His new contract is for a reported two years and $12 million, according to Schefter, which makes it surprising that the Patriots were unwilling to match those figures. Welker made $9.5 million after accepting the Patriots’ franchise tag in 2012, but the team seemed to think a figure that high was just too much for a slot receiver.

John Elway welcomed Welker to Denver with a congratulatory tweet, exclaiming his excitement for the receiver to join the Broncos.

Agreed to terms on a 2-yr deal with Wes Welker. Excited to have Wes join the Broncos. His production & toughness will be a great asset!
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John Elway (@johnelway) March 13, 2013