The New England Patriots moved quickly to replace Wes Welker, agreeing to terms with wide receiver Danny Amendola on a five-year contract Wednesday, league sources tell ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Amendola's deal is worth $31 million, including $10 million guaranteed.
"Blessed. Thankful. Excited to get to work. Go Pats," Amendola tweeted Wednesday night.
Amendola's agreement comes hours after Welker left the Patriots for a two-year deal with the Denver Broncos. That deal is worth $12 million, sources told Schefter.
The 27-year-old Amendola finished last season with 63 receptions for 666 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games for the St. Louis Rams.
He missed virtually all of the 2011 season after dislocating his left elbow in the opener, and then injuring a triceps muscle after returning to practice. In 2011, Amendola played under then-offensive assistant coach Josh McDaniels, who is now the Patriots' offensive coordinator.
Amendola has 196 receptions for 1,726 yards and seven touchdowns in 42 career games.
Amendola previously has been compared to Welker because of their elusiveness and ability to play in the slot.
In New England, Amendola has big shoes to fill in Welker, who had 672 receptions over six seasons (an average of 112 per season) with the Patriots. Welker had a team-high 118 catches for 1,354 yards and six touchdowns last season.
