New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola says he's about to start working with new quarterback Tom Brady.

"I've talked with Tom a couple times, just trying to get some scheduling down, when we want to get together and throw here, starting probably next week, and go from there," Amendola said on "The Stully Show" with Brian Stull on 101ESPN St. Louis this week. "I'm ready to get working with him."

The Patriots' offseason program doesn't start until April 15, and voluntary organized team activities don't begin until May 20. But it has been commonplace for Brady to connect with some of his receivers beforehand, especially those new to the team. Some believed that was part of the reason Brady and Wes Welker were able to develop chemistry from 2007 to '12.

Amendola was signed after the Patriots and Welker's representatives couldn't reach a multiyear agreement in March after two years of talks.

Once free agency began and the Patriots didn't believe there was a reasonable expectation for a deal with Welker, the club moved on to Amendola, who had been in demand from others, as well. That's part of what led to a quick resolution.

"I had three or four head-and-shoulders opportunities that were far outweighing what the Rams had offered," Amendola said on 101ESPN. "I understand it's a business. I understand that they have numbers. They value me as they will, and it turned out other teams valued me a little higher. That's the way it goes."

Amendola was unsure whether he'd be donning jersey No. 16 with the Patriots. Receiver Kamar Aiken currently has that number.

"I haven't talked to equipment staff yet," Amendola said. "I'll probably wear whatever is available. If 16 is available, so be it. We'll see."