The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... The Patriots are likely to place their franchise tag on Welker, according to a league source.

Diehards Line:According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the two sides have been discussing a new deal, but if one cannot be reached, New England plans to use the $9.5 million franchise wide receiver tag. ... No real surprise there; multiple reports over the last month have said much the same (at least one rather definitively). Welker led the NFL with 122 receptions in 2011. HIs 554 receptions since 2007 led the NFL, 80 more than Brandon Marshall's second-highest total. He and Cris Carter are the only players with two seasons of more than 120 receptions. Besides his 120-catch 2011 season, he had 123 receptions in 2009 . Teams must decide whether to use the tag by March 5.