Patriots' Wes Welker unlikely to get long-term deal (BLOG)

NFL players saddled with the franchise tag have until 4 p.m. ET Monday to reach a long-term deal , otherwise they'll have to shelve ne...

NFL players saddled with the franchise tag have until 4 p.m. ET Monday to reach a long-term deal, otherwise they'll have to shelve negotiations until 2013.

And it appears New England Patriots WR Wes Welker will be among those playing the waiting game.

Despite being the league's most prolific pass catcher since 2007 (554 receptions), Welker will probably not get an extension, per ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss.

Barring a last-minute accord, Welker, 31, will play for $9.5 million in 2012 and has said he'd be thrilled by such compensation.

DL Vince Wilfork and G Logan Mankins were franchised by New England in recent years but eventually came away with bigger offers.

A record 21 players were tagged this offseason, but only nine (including Saints QB Drew Brees) have landed multi-year pacts.

Six players have yet to sign their franchise tender:
Lions DE Cliff Avril
Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe
Bears RB Matt Forte
49ers S Dashon Goldson
Ravens RB Ray Rice
Jaguars K Josh Scobee

Six have signed their tender but still could receive an extension:
Redskins TE Fred Davis
Browns K Phil Dawson
Falcons CB Brent Grimes
Bengals K Mike Nugent
Cowboys OLB Anthony Spencer
Welker

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