Patriots sign former Colts WR Gonzalez

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- The New England Patriots have signed former Colts wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez.

The 27-year-old Gonzalez was a first-round draft pick in 2007 out of Ohio State. In five seasons with the Colts, he had 99 receptions for 1,307 yards and seven touchdowns, but has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. He has been active for only 11 games since the 2008 season.

Gonzalez missed all but the first game of 2009 and all but two games in 2010 with knee injuries. He did not make a reception in eight games last year.

New England's All-Pro receiver Wes Welker is a free agent and the Patriots gave him the franchise tag, meaning they will be owed compensation if anyone signs Welker.

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