Julian Edelman, Devin McCourty Excited to Have Wes Welker Back in the Mix

BOSTON — Their facial expressions said it all.

Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman and cornerback Devin McCourty were informed of Wes Welker's big news Tuesday, just moments after he signed his franchise tender. Edelman and McCourty both beamed as they realized the team's five-time receptions leader would be returning to work.

"I think it's a real positive thing," Edelman said. "He's one of our better players on our team, and he's only going to make us better. I just heard. That's the first time I've heard it, and I think that's great."

Edelman and McCourty were visiting patients and blood and platelet donors at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Kraft Family Blood Donor Center when Welker made his announcement. The teammates were impressed by his selfless decision.

"It just shows that he puts the team first," McCourty said. "He cares about being here, and it will be good to see Wes back in the locker room."

Edelman echoed, "It says that he's a great teammate. He wants to get back with the team. I'm sure he's excited to come back and train with us. And I'm excited to have him back, to learn from him, work with him. It's going to be great to have him back."

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