If The New England Patriots are searching for help at the wide receivers position, their plan does not appear to include current receiver Julian Edelman. The free-agent-to be saw his stock rise after a career-best season with New England. Now a free agent once again, Edelman has expressed interest in re-signing with the Patriots while the team has failed to show the same desire.
According to the Boston Globe, the Patriots have not approached Edelman about negotiating a new deal before free agency begins in March. The team has been talking with cornerback Aqib Talib, but has not gotten in contact with the wide receiver. The Patriots still have a few weeks to talk about keeping Edelman off the market, but a deal seems unlikely right now.
Edelman will be looking for a nice pay raise. The Patriots signed him to a one-year, minimum salary contract last offseason and after the receiver became the best offensive player for the team, he will be wanting a multi-year contract worth more money. It is expected those negotiations could take some time and with free agency opening March 11, the clock is ticking.
The Boston Globe notes that right now the Patriots could be waiting to find out exactly what the salary cap number is for next season. ESPN.com reports the 2014 salary cap is expected to reach $132 million. Once that number becomes official, Edelman could see his negotiations with the team begin to heat up.
Not speaking with Edelman could also signify the Patriots are not interested in keeping him despite his production in 2013. Owner Robert Kraft has said he does not intend on over paying for free agents this offseason which could include Edelman. Given that New England has clearly made Talib a priority, the receiver could already be on the outs.
So who fills the spot of Edelman in 2014? Emmanuel Sanders could be the option. The Globe notes that Sanders is not expected to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers next season. The Patriots were very interested in him last year, even putting a qualifying offer down that was eventually matched by Pittsburgh. Now an unrestricted free agent, that interest from New England is still high.
Edelman will have no issues finding a home on the free agent market. Both the Denver Broncos and New York Jets are reportedly interested and could sign him quickly.
