The St. Louis Rams on Monday afternoon signed veteran wide receiver Wes Welker to a one-year, $1.8 million deal, according to ESPN.com.
This comes just hours after the team was informed that third-year wideout Stedman Bailey would be suspended for four games without pay for violating the league substance abuse policy due to marijuana use. It also marks the second time Bailey has broken the substance abuse policy, which he also received a four-game suspension last season.
The team on Monday morning held workouts with Welker, Vincent Brown, and Hakim Nicks. Prior to the signing, St. Louis had a thorough evaluation of the health, including his long history with concussions.
Welker hasn’t played in the league since the end of the last season with the Denver Broncos. The five-time Pro-Bowler was regarded as one of the NFL’s best receivers during his six seasons with the New England Patriots, which he led in the league in receptions three times and is the franchise’s all-time leader in catches.
His addition brings the Rams some much-needed help to their offense that ranks last in the league in third-down conversions at 23.8 percent. They also have the least amount of team receptions (129), receiving yards (1498), and the second-fewest touchdowns receptions (seven).
In his 11-year career, Welker has recorded 890 catches for 9,822 yards and 50 touchdowns in 11 seasons with the Patriots, Broncos, San Diego Chargers, and Miami Dolphins.
