(Photo: Karen Cardoza, Flickr) BY NICK ST. DENIS
When you have a slot receiver who leads the NFL in receptions, you hang on to the guy.
No kidding, says the Patriots.
As expected, New England put its 2012 franchise tag on receiver Wes Welker Monday, locking him in for at least a year while the two sides decide what to do next.
The Patriots released the following statement on Welker:
"Wes Welker is a remarkable football player for our team and has been a vital component to our offense and special teams since we traded for him in 2007. Utilizing the franchise designation allows both sides more time to try to reach an agreement, which is the goal. Wes remains a contractual priority and we are hopeful that he will remain a Patriot for years to come."
Follow Nick @NickStDenisThe Patriots released the following statement on Welker:
"Wes Welker is a remarkable football player for our team and has been a vital component to our offense and special teams since we traded for him in 2007. Utilizing the franchise designation allows both sides more time to try to reach an agreement, which is the goal. Wes remains a contractual priority and we are hopeful that he will remain a Patriot for years to come."
Welker has been to the Pro Bowl four straight years and has caught 554 passes since joining the Patriots in 2007. That's the most of any receiver in that span.
The last two Patriots players to get franchise-tagged, Vince Wilfork (2010) and Logan Mankins (2011), received multi-year deals that year.
The last two Patriots players to get franchise-tagged, Vince Wilfork (2010) and Logan Mankins (2011), received multi-year deals that year.
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