Click here for a photo gallery of Wes Welker.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- On the first day of free agency, the Broncos added a player to protect quarterback Peyton Manning.
On day two, they gave him a big-time target.
The Broncos agreed to terms with wide receiver Wes Welker on a two-year deal Wednesday, adding a player that has managed five 100-catch, 1,000-yard seasons in the past six years.
"Excited to have Wes join the Broncos," Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway tweeted. "His production and toughness will be a great asset!"
The move gives the Broncos three wide receivers -- Welker, Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker -- that gained 1,000 receiving yards in 2012.
For Welker, it means he moves from three-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady as his quarterback to four-time NFL MVP Manning.
Welker's five 100-catch seasons are the most in NFL annals, and his 123 catches in 2009 are tied for the second-most in a single season in NFL history -- behind 143 receptions in 2002 by Marvin Harrison, Manning's former target in Indianapolis.
He has 18 career games with 10 or more catches, which is also an NFL record. His 672 receptions during his six seasons with New England marks the most productive six-season stretch by a pass-catcher in league history. During that 2007-12 span, the next closest receiver is 80 catches short of Welker's production.
For his career, the 10th-year veteran has played in 140 games, catching 768 passes for 8,580 yards and 38 touchdowns. He trails only Broncos Ring of Famer Rod Smith in career receptions by an undrafted player in NFL history.
In nine career playoff games, he has added 69 more catches for 686 yards and four touchdowns.
Welker earned his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl invitation this offseason, but did not attend, which gave Thomas the opportunity to take his first trip to Honolulu.
Prior to his time in New England, Welker spent three seasons with Miami and one game with the San Diego Chargers.
"It's gonna be some amazing practices with me and Welker in this slot," cornerback Chris Harris tweeted. "Games should be easy."
