It has been reported that the New England Patriots have opened contract discussions with Wes Welker.

CSN New England have said that progress has been made on a new deal for the wide receiver, who is due to become a free agent.

The Patriots had previously been expected to release the 31-year-old, who led the Patriots in receiving yards in 2012, for salary cap reasons, but Tom Brady's contract extension has freed up cap space for the team.

Welker played in all 16 regular season games in 2012, scoring six touchdowns.