To the surprise of no one, the New England Patriots went through with the formality of franchising wide receiver Wes Welker, says Tom Curran of Comcast New England.
Welker and the Patriots are said to be far apart in terms of working out a contract extension. By placing the $9.4 million franchise tender on Welker, the Patriots assure themselves he won't leave (barring an unforeseen offer sheet) and it gives them until July 15 to keep negotiating on a long-term deal.
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Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com