Entering the offseason, it appeared all but a sure bet that wide receiver Wes Welker would be playing for a team other than the New England Patriots next year. However, following Tom Brady’s recent agreement with the team, it appears that the Patriots could sign Welker to a contract extension, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

It appeared tough decisions were on the horizon in New England, as Welker and fellow wide receiver Brandon Lloyd were both viewed as potential roster casualties in order for the club to meet its salary cap requirements.

However, Brady’s extension and restructuring provides the Patriots with roughly $20 million in salary cap space this season and $30 million over the next two years. This is money the team can now use on Welker and other free agents if it so chooses.

If he would hit the open market, Welker could be in line for a five-year contract with an average annual salary of $8 million. It’s unclear if the Patriots are willing to make this type of investment into an aging wide out, but Welker could decide to take Brady’s lead and take a lesser deal to keep the band together in New England.