Dean Michaels

Boston, MA

New England Patriots franchise player and wide receiver Wes Welker softened his earlier stance that he will skip minicamps while waiting for a long-term deal from the team.

"I don't know. To say I'm going one way or another right now, I'm not going to say it's definite or anything like that, but I would definitely like to be at those minicamps for sure," Welker told radio station WEEI.

The Patriots' minicamp will be held June 12-14.

New England used its franchise tag for 2012 on Welker, who is guaranteed to earn $9.5 million once he signs the tender.

In the same interview, Welker said there was no chance his contract dispute would lead him to miss regular-season games.

"There are 9 1/2 million reasons why I wouldn't miss any regular-season games. So, I don't have to worry about that," he said.

Welker is confident that a long-term deal with the Patriots will be reached before the season starts.

"I think we're all on the same page and we're all trying to collectively come together and make something happen," he said.

Welker is expecting that the Patriots will reward him for his outstanding performance last season as he ranked first in receptions (122), second in receiving yards (1,569), sixth in touchdown (9) and second in receiving yards per game (98.1) among wide receivers.

He also led all wide receivers in receptions in 2007 (112) and 2009 (123). For his career, Welker has 650 receptions for 7,226 yards and 32 touchdowns.

"The main thing is really just trying to keep a level head about it, and make sure you're making the best decisions for yourself, but at the same time, put yourself in a position where you can play for a great team and hopefully do some great things in the future," he said.

"I don't think there is any sort of hard feelings on my side or their side. I think we're all looking forward to the 2012 season and hopefully do some big things there," he said.

Patriots Wideout Wes Welker Likely to Attend Minicamp