Patriots sign Danny Amendola to 5-year, $31 million deal

The Patriots agreed to a 5-year deal with Danny Amendola, source says. 5 years, $31M. $10 guaranteed. Avg: $6.1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2013

I think we could all see this happening, my question is why. This is essentially the same amount that Welker signed for with the Broncos, so really you are replacing a guy who has been a perennial beast in the slot with a guy who is much less proven and WAY more injury prone. For the same money.

On the other side, at least the Patriots now have someone other than Brandon Lloyd (who might get cut) and Matthew Slater.

I might expect the Patriots to get in on Greg Jennings to give them a down-field threat. The question is, why are they just replacing Welker's exact same role with someone that's not Welker, and for about the same money? There HAS to be more to this story, because it's starting to not really make any sense.

Anyway, welcome to New England, Danny.