PEABODY (CBS) – Wes Welker was his usual happy self as he worked his 4th annual “Old Spice Wes Welker Football Clinic” Saturday at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody.

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And, he should be. After all, he recently signed his franchise tender contract that will pay him $9.5 million this upcoming season to play for the Patriots.

“I’m excited to be back. I’m excited to be a Patriot. I’m excited to be out there on the field coming up with OTA’s and minicamps with my teammates. I’m looking forward to the 2012 season and us going out there and getting better,” said Welker as he took time out during his camp.

Earlier in the week Welker told the Boston Herald’s Karen Guregian that his talks on an extension with the team had actually gotten worse, but on Saturday he backed off those comments.

“You know, that was probably a bad choice of words saying they’ve gotten worse,” said Welker. “They’ve pretty much stayed the same. I’m franchised for the year and I’m completely happy with that and completely OK with it and I look forward to contributing to the team in 2012.”

Welker also said that he’s not frustrated and happy to be making five times what he made last season.

The four time Pro Bowl wideout led the NFL with 122 receptions and was second with 1,569 yards receiving. The 31-year-old also had a career-high 9 touchdown receptions.

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