Wes Welker Comments On Aaron Hernandez Extension

Wes Welker wanted a major long-term contract extension this offseason, but he had to sit and watch while the Patriots gave out contracts to two other pass-catchers. However, he chose to take the high road and congratulate Aaron Hernandez when asked about the third-year tight end's new deal in practice Tuesday.

"Good for him. I’m definitely happy for him," Welker said, via Mark Daniels of the Boston Herald. "He’s a great player and done a lot of great things for us and it’s good to have him here."

Welker was slapped with the one-year franchise tag that will pay him $9.5 million this season, but he had hoped for a long-term commitment from New England management. Instead, they've taken money he had hoped would be earmarked for him and given it other targets for Tom Brady in Hernandez and fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski, who the Pats extended in June. This makes it seem unlikely Welker will be able to get the type of money he wants from New England, even after a career year in 2011. But Welker isn't going to complain about the slight -- at least not to the press.

Aaron Hernandez Contract Extension: New England TE Donating Back

The ink is barely dry on Aaron Hernandez's five-year contract extension with the New England Patriots and he is already giving some of the money back. The 22-year-old tight end was drafted by the Patriots in 2010 and has performed well in his first two seasons. On Monday, he decided to help out off of the field, reports Greg Berdard of the Boston Globe.

Hernandez donated $50,000 to the Myra Kraft Foundation out of respect for Robert drafting him, and for doing his deal two years early

— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) August 27, 2012

The Robert K. and Myra H. Kraft Foundation is a philanthropic organization that participates in a variety of charitable activities, including education, healthcare, women's issues, and youth sports.

An impressive move by the young Hernandez, who shows he is grateful for the opportunity to be a professional football player and compete for one of the NFL's most successful franchises.

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Aaron Hernandez Signed Until 2018 With New Extension

The new England Patriots agreed on Monday morning to a contract extension with star tight end Aaron Hernandez.

The deal will add five years onto the existing life of Hernandez's contract, locking him up through 2018, according to Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com.

Hernandez has been an integral part of Bill Belichick's offense in the past two campaigns. The versatile tight end out of Florida University has been lined up anywhere from his natural position at tight end to running back, as seen most famously against the Denver Broncos in the 2011 playoffs.

The 22-year-old has been terrific in his initial two years with New England. Last year, Hernandez was overshadowed by his more famous teammate Rob Gronkowski, but still managed 910 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

With both Hernandez and Gronkowski in the fold for years to come, the Patriots will present a nightmare to opposing defensive coordinators who need to account for both of these pass-catching giants.

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Hernandez And Gronkowski Extensions May Mean Wes Welker's Time Is Limited

New England has done well to secure long-term deals with its two young studs at tight end, Rob Gronkowski in June and Aaron Hernandez Monday. However, with lots of money headed towards the young, talented pass-catchers, there might not be room in the Patriots' checkbook for a deal with Wes Welker, who is also looking for a long-term extension.

Welker's output certainly isn't declining: Even after a few great years in New England, the 2011 season was his best statistically, recording career highs in touchdowns and yards while averaging 98.1 yards per game. But Tom Brady has proven he can throw to just about anybody, and his rapport with Gronkowski and Hernandez is strong, with both players earning Pro Bowl nods. That means that the Patriots might look to replace Welker's production rather than reward him with a big contract, especially with the amount of money they just gave to a pair of guys who will be catching passes for Brady.

Welker will make $9.15 million this season after the Patriots gave him a one-year franchise tag, so he'll be free to leave after this season. If he wants the type of money his play merits, it might not be available in Foxboro.

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Aaron Hernandez Reportedly Reaches Extension With New England Patriots

Tight end Aaron Hernandez has reached a long-term contract extension with the Patriots, the second time the team has opted to extend one of their talented tight ends this offseason.