The New England Patriots are obviously rebuilding on offense after parting ways with Tom Brady, and there has been some speculation that Julian Edelman could be the next veteran player they decide to move forward without. According to one report, that is not going to happen.
Tom E. Curran says he has been told by an NFL source that there is “not a chance in hell” the Patriots will trade or release Edelman this offseason. While the receiver carries a salary cap hit of more than $9 million next season, the cap savings would not be nearly that much if they trade Edelman.
Miguel Benzan of Boston Sports Journal has arguably a better understanding of the Patriots’ salary cap situation than any person outside the organization, and he says the team would gain less than $4 million in cap space by trading Edelman. Curran says there could be some sort of workout bonus in Edelman’s contract that would push the savings slightly higher, but what would New England actually gain by trading Edelman?
While Edelman was extremely productive with 100 catches, over 1,000 yards and six touchdowns last season, he’ll be turning 34 in May. He has also battled injuries in recent seasons, so it’s highly unlikely a team would give up a high draft pick for him.
An April Fool’s rumor on Wednesday led to some speculation that Edelman was on his way out of New England, but there has been no trade. Unless the Patriots are blowing up their entire offense, Edelman should have value to them as a role model for second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham and the new leader of the offense with Brady gone.
Of course, things could change if Edelman asks the Patriots to trade or release him. He may have already hinted that he wants to team up with Brady in Tampa Bay, but he has also said in the past that he would not want to play for a coach other than Bill Belichick. There wouldn’t be much in it for the Patriots if they trade Edelman.
