New England Patriots Replace Wes Welker with Danny Amendola

Hours after losing wide receiver Wes Welker to the Denver Broncos, the New England Patriots have signed free agent wide receiver Danny Amendola from the St. Louis Rams.

Amendola, another former Texas Tech player, signed a 5-year $31 million contract and according to NFL.com, $10 million will be guaranteed.

The signing of Amendola by the Patriots does involve some risk. Amendola has missed significant periods of playing time over the past two seasons. He will be joined with tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez as Tom Brady's primary targets.

Last year, Amendola played in 11 games. He caught 63 passes for 666 yards and 3 touchdowns.

2013 will be Amendola's fifth season in the NFL and the Patriots are the second team he's played for.