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Robert Kraft Says He Hopes Wes Welker ‘Remains a Patriot for Life, Just Like Tom Brady’

Word of where Wes Welker will end up by the beginning of next year has been all over the board this offseason, but one person hasn’t changed his stance: Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

On the eve of the NFL free agency period, Kraft reiterated his support for Welker, saying again that he hopes the veteran receiver will be with New England at least a few more years.

“I love Wes Welker,” Kraft said, according to ESPN. “I hope he remains a Patriot for life, just like Tom Brady.”

Welker is considered likely to stay with the Patriots, although reports have surfaced that he wants to test the free agent market first. Free agency begins March 12.

While Welker has been looking for a multiyear deal with the Patriots for several years, negotiations hit a hiccup last season, and he played under the franchise tag salary instead. This offseason, a new contract has been slow to come together, with the Patriots reportedly looking elsewhere and Welker also taking his time with negotiations.