Just a couple hours after receiver Wes Welker signed with the Denver Broncos, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Patriots inked Welker's replacement in Danny Amendola. (photo: Jeffrey Beall, Flickr)
Amendola, formerly of the St. Louis Rams, reportedly signed a five-year, $31 million contract to catch passes from Tom Brady in Foxborough.
The 27-year-old Amendola, who is four years younger than Welker, missed five games last year due to a clavicle injury and played in just one in 2011 thanks to an elbow ailment.
Amendola was the most practical candidate by many accounts to take over the Patriots' slot, but he's also capable of doing work on the perimeter if need be. Amendola hauled in 192 catches in 42 games with the Rams.
Welker's new deal, while only two years in length, is reportedly worth $12 million but is fully-guaranteed, which obviously made it appealing to the veteran.
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