NFL Free Agent Spending Spree Continues; Welker Walks, Replaced by Amoundola, Bush heads to Detroit

The NFL's version of a Black Friday sale continues as teams write checks and change rosters.

The New England Patriots said goodbye to one of QB Tom Brady's BFFs, but it wasn't long before they had someone to fill his locker, but he wasn't the only one who signed a big deal. 

Wes Welker - According to Adam Schefter, WR Wes Welker signed with the Denver Broncos in a two-year deal worth $12 million.

Impact: The Broncos are officially the elite team in the West. According to Profootballtalk, Broncos head honcho John Elway consulted with Peyton Manning before signing Welker. Welker gets to prove that he wasn't just another Patriots mirage and a Broncos/Patriots Super Bowl scenario just got a bit more real, because... 

Danny Amendola - Signs a 5-year, $31 million deal with New England. The Patriots are betting that the younger Amendola, 27, will make fans say "Wes who?" by the start of the season.         

Impact: New England replaces Welker by going younger and some would say better with Amendola. They also managed to upset Tom Brady in the process because of his fondness for W.W.  Did New England outsmart itself by possibly altering team chemistry?

Reggie Bush - Signs a 4-year, $16 million deal with the Detroit Lions, according to ESPN. The Lions are hoping to make the Bush into an every down back and become relevant in the process by addressing an obvious need.

Impact: Bush quieted talk of his durability by playing in every game of the 2012 NFL season. You know you're expected to do big things in Detroit when Barry Sanders tweets you "Proud to be a @DetroitLionsNFL and excited to welcome @ReggieBush to the family."

Cliff Avril -Signs a 2-year, $15 million dollar deal with the Seattle Seahawks. The defensive end could've gotten a 3-year deal for $30 million with the Detroit Lions last year, but opted for the one year, $10.6 million tender. That gamble cost the defensive end $4.5 million.

Impact: Avril turns 27 in April and will be welcomed by the Seahawks who hope to make an even stronger Super Bowl run in next season. 

in other NFL signings:

Rashard Mendenhall signs a one year deal with the Arizona Cardinals. 

Shonn Green signs with the Tennessee Titans for 3-year, $10 million deal.