Reports: Pats, Amendola agree to deal

That didn’t last long.

Hours after the Patriots let their all-time franchise reception leader, Wes Welker, sign with the Denver Broncos, New England agreed to terms with former St. Louis Rams slot receiver Danny Amendola.

The similarities between Welker and Amendola are many — they’re both versatile slot receiver/punt return mavens who ironically enough, each attended Texas Tech University.

ESPN reported the deal first, as Amendola will make $31 million over five years, including $10 million guaranteed.

Amendola, 27, has missed 20 games due to injury over the past two seasons. As Welker joins the Broncos, Amendola is reunited with Josh McDaniels, his offensive coordinator during the 2011 season in St. Louis. The Patriots had been quiet during the first 24 hours of free agency, but the Amendola move marks a rather big splash.

Out with the old. In with the new.

Other than Amendola, Brandon Lloyd is the only other Patriots wide receiver currently under contract for the 2013 season.