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Jets Nemesis Wes Welker Leaves Patriots, Agrees With Broncos

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (CBSNewYork/AP) — On a day of defections for the Jets, there was a silver lining.

The Denver Broncos have plucked free agent Wes Welker from the New England Patriots, agreeing to a two-year deal with Pro Bowl wide receiver.

Broncos boss John Elway announced the move through his Twitter account on Wednesday. Said Elway: "Excited to have Wes join the Broncos. His production & toughness will be a great asset!"

Welker is the premier slot receiver in the league, catching 118 passes for 1,354 yards and six TDs last season. He developed quite a rapport with Tom Brady during his time with Jets' AFC East rivals in New England.

The Broncos are banking the same kind of relationship can develop between Peyton Manning and Welker.

Gray Caldwell, the editor of the Broncos' official website, tweeted Wednesday that coach John Fox said Welker was "kind of a double signing: defensively, we don't have to defend him anymore."

WOW. Your thoughts on Welker going to Denver? Sound off in the comments...

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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