WR Welker And Patriots Close To Multi-Year Deal

Wes Welker and the Patriots are closing in on a multi-year contract that would allow Welker to finish his career in New England, Mike Giardi of CSN New England reports.

An NFL source says that the two sides are hoping to have something finalized before the onset of free agency on March 12.

According to the source, the two sides have come to the understanding that they are far better with one another than without.

Unlike last year when Welker took what he called a “leap of faith” by accepting the team’s franchise tender in the hopes that a long term deal would be worked out, this time the two sides are — according to the source — far more willing to compromise than at the same point last year.

Despite having more receptions than any receiver since 2007, Welker began last season behind Julian Edelman on the depth chart and did not begin seeing regular action until after tight end Aaron Hernandez went down in Week 2 with an ankle injury.