Welker Happy For Gronkowski, Not Worried About His Own Contract
BOSTON (CBS) -- Wes Welker has the most receptions in the NFL since 2007, and he's been an invaluable piece of a Patriots team that's gone 64-16 since his New England debut. He's currently working under the franchise tag but has made it known that he wants a long-term deal.
So how did it feel for Welker to see teammate Rob Gronkowski sign a massive contract extension well before the tight end's rookie deal was set to expire?
"I thought it was a great deal," Welker told reporters on Tuesday, after the Patriots' minicamp practice. "You need a guy like around here for a long time. He's such a great player for us. Having him around for a while is a great deal for us as an organization. So I'm very happy for him."
Despite the team dedicating more money to Gronkowski than any tight end in NFL history, Welker said he's not concerned about that contract potentially affecting his own.
"No, not at all. I'm always pulling for the players, especially a guy like Gronk, who does such a great job for us and works so hard and deserves every bit of that contract," Welker said. "I'm not worried about that at all. Right now, I'm here and I'm happy and I'm just here to try and help our team win in 2012."
Welker is set to earn $9.5 million this season under the franchise tag, but it's a deal that only runs for one year. Welker has spoken publicly several times about his desire for a new contract, but he didn't add much to the discussion on Tuesday.
LISTEN: Welker Discusses Gronk's Contract
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"I think I've said everything I need to say as far as anything about my contract," he said. "I'm just looking forward to the season and looking to help the team get better."
