During his time with the New England Patriots, Wes Welker was one of the best receivers in all of football as well as a top target for star quarterback Tom Brady.

With his strong relationship with Brady well known, the now-retired wide receiver gave his opinion as to why he thinks Brady chose to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason to the surprise of many.

“I think he’s just excited to play football,” Welker said on WEEI's “Greg Hill Show” week. “Tom wants to play ball. I think for him he’s excited — he has some weapons down there in Tampa. I think he’s excited to get out there and play ball. It’s another challenge for him in his mind, I’m sure, of proving people wrong — that he doesn’t have to be in New England to be great.

“He will take on that challenge, and I guaranteed you he will be full steam ahead with it.”

Welker, who is now the wide receivers coach for the San Fransisco 49ers, spent six seasons in New England catching passes from the new Buccaneers quarterback.

In six seasons paired up with Brady(excluding the playoffs), Welker accumulated 672 catches for 7,459 yards and 37 touchdowns. Welker made the Pro Bowl in five of his six seasons in Foxborough.

The Brady to Welker connection was so dangerous that Welker's 34 regular-season touchdown passes for Brady puts him under just three players: Julian Edelman (36). Randy Moss (39) and Rob Gronkowski (76).

While it will be odd for many to see the longtime Patriots quarterback in Tampa Bay, Welker thinks he knows exactly why the veteran quarterback chose to sign with the Bucs.