New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker did not report to the start of the team's voluntary workouts Monday, league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Welker, who was tagged as the Patriots' franchise player last month, has yet to sign his tender and has thus far been able to come to agreement on a long-term deal with the Patriots. He told the NFL Network on Thursday night that he had not yet decided whether he would attend the Patriots' offseason program.
"Still looking to try and decide on that," Welker said. "I'm in no rush and we'll figure it out. Me and my agent, we're all on the same page with everything. Just looking to move forward and looking forward to the 2012 season."
All players under contract are expected, although not required, to participate in the voluntary workouts.
Welker would likely want to either sign his franchise tender -- which would guarantee him $9.5 million for the 2012 season -- or reach a long-term deal before participating in any voluntary organized team activities. If he remains unsigned, he will also have no obligation to attend the team's mandatory June minicamp, or training camp in July. Teams have until mid-July to work out a new deal or franchised players will have to play 2012 under the tag.
Welker said earlier this month he is OK with the franchise tag.
"Yeah, for sure," he said. "It will be half of what I made my whole contract this past (time) around. Not too bad."
Welker isn't the only tagged player that has not reported to voluntary team workouts. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was not at the Saints' workouts and Ravens running back Ray Rice skipped the start of Baltimore's program. Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte was also not expected to attend workouts, a league source told Schefter.