Photo: Karen Cardoza, Flickr BY SEAN DONOVAN
The four-time Pro Bowl wideout told ESPN Radio Boston that he's "probably not going to show up" to the Patriots' mandatory June minicamp. The Patriots have placed the franchise tag on Welker, who will make $9.4 million in 2012.
The two sides have until July 16 to work out a multi-year contract.
Jason LaCanfora of the NFL Network previously reported that Welker would play out the season under the franchise tag if no deal was reached, but it looks like the All Pro may be willing to play hard ball to get a long term contract. Welker has not yet participated in any of the team's voluntary workouts this offseason.
"It just kind of depends," Welker said when asked under what kind of scenario he would rejoin the team. "Obviously, we’re looking for a long-term deal. I think with the body of work I’ve shown over the past five years kind of warrants that. Hopefully we can get to that point and get something done and cooler heads prevail and we can make something happen.”
Welker, 30, has established himself as the premier slot receiver in the game. He has been a reliable target for Tom Brady since joining the Patriots in 2007 and has led the league in receptions for three of the past five seasons.
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