Wes Welker and the New England Patriots remain roughly $6 million apart with just over a week of negotiating time left for a new long-term deal.

Welker was given the franchise tag of $9.5 million by the Patriots just before the start of free agency, a move that was supposed to buy time for the team and the receiver to get together on a new deal.

But, according to the Boston Globe, that has not happened, as the sides remain far apart with the deadline of July 16 fast approaching.

Welker's 122 receptions led the league, and if he has to play for the franchise tag in 2012, then signing him to a bargain deal in 2013 is not going to be easy if he comes close to that type of production again this season.

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Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com