Wes Welker joining St. Louis Rams

Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Wes Welker agreed to join the St. Louis Rams today, filling the void that has been left after Stedman Bailey withdrew his substance abuse, 4-game suspension appeal. Welker had been a free agent all offseason, but concerns over his repeated concussions had cooled interest in the five-time Pro Bowl receiver. The news of the signing was reported by Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter, then confirmed by Rams head coach Jeff Fisher.

Welker first joined the NFL in 2004 as an undrafted free agent signing by the San Diego Chargers, but was waived after Week 1 of the season. The Dolphins then signed Welker, using him primarily on special teams. Over three years with Miami, he worked his way into the receiving corps, then as a starter. After the 2006 season, Weler was a restricted free-agent and Miami placed a second-rounder tender on him. The New England Patriots then threatened to use a "poison-pill" contract offer on Welker, something that would have made him extremely expensive if he played a certain number of games in the state of Florida the next season, but a deal was eventually made to trade Welker to the Patriots in exchange for a second-round and seventh-round draft choice. Welker spent the next six years with the Patriots, becoming a prolific part of their offense, including catching more passes than any other receiver over the span.

In 2013, Welker joined the Denver Broncos, moving from future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady to future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning. Welker played in 21 games for the Broncos over the last two seasons, catching 107 passes for 1,060 yards with 12 touchdowns.

In his 10-year career, Welker has 890 receptions for 9,822 yards with 50 touchdowns. He has led the league three times in receptions (2007, 2009, 2011) and has two First-Team All-Pro selections to go with the five Pro Bowls. He also has 88 playoff receptions in his career for 866 yards and five touchdowns.