Wes Welker

By Gary Dzen/Globe Staff

Embroiled in contract negotiations with the Patriots, Wes Welker signed his franchise tender in May, making him the team’s franchise player for 2012 but giving up his leverage in the discussion for a long-term extension. On May 15 Welker tweeted, “I signed my tender today. I love the game and I love my teammates! Hopefully doing the right thing gets the right results. #leapoffaith.” The Patriots have not signed Welker to a long-term deal, meaning his leap of faith has gone unrewarded.