By Matt Pepin, Boston.com Staff

Receiver Wes Welker will not re-sign with the Patriots before weighing offers on the free agent market, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Free agency begins March 12, although teams can begin negotiating with players' agents on Saturday.

Welker had 118 receptions for 1,354 yards and six touchdowns in 2012, and he averaged 11.5 yards per catch. He has spent the last six seasons in New England, and made $9.5 million last season after the Patriots used the franchise tag to lock him into a one-year deal.

According to a Yahoo! Sports report Tuesday, Welker still has "mild disdain" for the Patriots because his role appeared to be reduced at the start of last season. He also expressed disappointment over contract negotiations before last season.

Also: Wes Welker's career statistics