Patriots sign Amendola to replace Welker

The New England Patriots agreed to terms with receiver Danny Amendola on a deal that would reportedly pay him $31 million over five years, moving quickly after the loss of five-time Pro Bowl selection Wes Welker.

Amendola posted a message on Twitter saying, "Blessed. Thankful. Excited to get to work. Go Pats." Rams coach Jeff Fisher also said Amendola had signed with the Patriots. The Patriots confirmed the deal later Thursday.

Amendola, 27, is a 5-foot-11, 188-pound former rookie free agent from Texas Tech -- the same school as Welker. After signing with the Rams in 2009, Amendola led the NFL with 66 kickoff returns, 1,618 kickoff return yards and 1,978 total return yards.

In 2010, he led the NFL with 2,364 all-purpose yards, catching 85 passes for 689 yards and three touchdowns.

"We talked to Danny throughout the process and [are] very excited for Danny, happy for Danny and his opportunity and wish him well," Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. "We started this process back in September and it didn't work out for us. You'd think as soon as Welker leaves, Danny's their guy and in fact he is. He's going to be very productive in their offense."

Danny Amendola led the NFL with 2,364 all-purpose yards in 2010 with the Rams but was injured much of the past two seasons.