While some might believe Hakeem Nicks is the biggest free agent wide receiver on the market, the attention surrounding Julian Edelman continues to grow. The New England Patriots wide receiver had a breakout year remaining the one constant in a struggling group of wide receivers. Currently reaching the end of his one-year contract with the team, quarterback Tom Brady is hopeful he re-signs in the offseason.
Heading into the 2013 season, Danny Amendola was supposed to be the marquee wide receiver. After losing Wes Welker to the Denver Broncos, the former Rams wide receiver was brought in to take his place. However, Amendola did the exact opposite as injuries and inconsistencies ruined his first year in New England. Amerndola played on a five-year, $28.5 million contract while Edelman worked off a minimum one-year, $715,000 contract. He repaid the Patriots with 1,056 yards and six touchdowns.
The Patriots will not be able to sign Edelman for that cheap again given the numbers he has proven to be capable of. Brady is just hoping they do not let the receiver test the market and get a contract extension done quickly.
"I know how difficult a task it is for our team to make decisions like this, and we've had to make a lot of tough decisions over the years,'' Brady said, via the Boston Herald. ''All those things sort themselves out. Coach Belichick is the one that makes all those tough decisions. I love (Edelman), he's one of my best pals, I spent a lot of time with him. I'm just proud of him for everything that he's accomplished. He deserves the best."
Brady understands the value Edelman has been to the Patriots this season. In the AFC Championship game, the receiver led the team with 10 catches for 89 yards and a touchdown. Considering the Patriots only managed 16 points, that stat is impressive. New England's receiving corps consisted of mainly rookies or second year players. Bringing back Edelman to balance out the injuries to Amendola would be huge.
"He had an incredible season," Brady said. "No one could have ever predicted what he could accomplish for our team. I mean, he was one guy that was so consistent and dependable for us. I'm just proud of him because of his mental toughness and maturity and his work ethic. He spent a lot of time watching over the last four years. And to finally get an opportunity where he could be an every-down player, and the way he contributed to our team, especially in a game like yesterday where he made so many great plays for us, it was great to see.''
What happens with the wide receiver has yet to be determined. There have been no reports of contract negotiations to this point. When the Patriots offseason officially begins in March, they would be wise to make Edelman a top priority.