New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady made it known Monday that he wants wide receiver Wes Welker back in New England next season.
Welker, who received the franchise tag and $9.5 million salary for the 2012 season, is set to become a free agent in 2013 unless the Patriots sign him to a long-term deal or place the tag on him for the second straight season.
"Everybody knows how I feel about Wes, our whole team feels that way about Wes," Brady said. "He's just one of the best players I've played with and played against. He's just a phenomenal player, and he's been the heart and soul of what our team is all about. He's been so selfless and the way that he carrires himself and commits himself to help our team win, it's second to none. But like I said, those aren't my decisions."
Welker finished the regular season off with a team-high 118 catches and 1,354 yards to go with six touchdown receptions. In Sunday's AFC Championship 29-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, he had a team-high eight catches for 117 yards, but also had a drop in a key down situation in the second half.
The team has an option to use the franchise tag on Welker again during the offseason, which will result in an escalated salary of $11.4 million for the 2013 season.
Welker became the first player in NFL history with five 110 catch seasons, and has averaged 112 receptions during his six seasons as a Patriot.
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