After signing a bare-minimum contract last season, Julian Edelman is about to get a big raise in free agency. The New England Patriots wide receiver had a breakout year in 2013 for just under a million dollars. Now a free agent once again, Edelman notes he would love to remain in New England, but also wants to get paid.
Edelman finished the season ranking fifth in the NFL in targets. The wide receiver hauled in 105 catches for 1,056 yards and six touchdowns as the primary target on a young and inexperienced receiving corps. The Patriots got him at an extreme discount, but will not get the same deal this time around if they want to bring him back.
NFL Network's Ian Rappaport reports Edelman could command a contract worth upwards of $7 million if he plays his cards right. He certainly proved worthy of the money, but the Patriots might not be able to give it to him.
The issue could come with Danny Amendola, the wide receiver that was expected to produce the numbers Edelman put up, but never did. Amendola signed a large, long-term deal last offseason, but his debut with the Patriots was considered a failure considering injuries hurt any chances he had of gaining chemistry with Brady. If New England plans to give Edelman what he is worth, Amendola could be gone.
"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 theBoston 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 is very aware of what Edelman can bring to the table when given responsibility. He praised the receiver for the season he had and simply wants to see him get the contract he deserves. So if Edelman does not re-sign with the Patriots, where does he go?
The New York Jets could certainly be an option. The team had a below-par receiving corps last season and with players like Santonio Holmes not expected to be back, they need a top wide receiving threat. The Jacksonville Jaguars could also be willing to give Edelman the money after losing a star like Justin Blackmon. Someone will give the receiver the money if the Patriots refuse.
