Pats replace Welker with Amendola
The New England Patriots moved quickly to replace wide receiver Wes Welker, agreeing to a deal with former St. Louis Rams wide receiver Danny Amendola.
After Welker received a two-year, $12 million deal from the Denver Broncos, Amendola got a five-year, $31 million deal with the Patriots, according to multiple media reports. Amendola's contract reportedly will pay him a guaranteed $10 million.
Welker's stats will be tough for Amendola to replace. Welker had 118 receptions for 1,354 yards and six touchdowns in 2012. It was his fifth 100-catch season -- an NFL record.
Amendola, 27, had 63 catches for 666 yards and three touchdowns last year in his fourth season with the Rams. He missed five games due to a chest injury.
Amendola set career highs in 2010 with 85 catches for 689 yards.
Welker, 31, played last season for $9.5 million, the terms applied under the franchise designation, and he and the Patriots reportedly remained far apart in negotiations toward a long-term deal.
