Julian Edelman uncertain about New England Patriots future

Dec 1, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) reacts after making a reception during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Texans 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

After leading the Patriots with 105 catches, 1,056 receiving yards and six TD receptions, Julian Edelman says he’d like to return to New England, but knows it is uncertain that he’ll be re-signed by the team, according to Nick Underhill of MassLive.com.

Edelman played the 2013 season on a minimum one-year deal, but will command much more than a minimum salary for his next contract after a breakout campaign. After letting Wes Welker sign elsewhere, the Pats brought in WR Danny Amendola as the de facto Welker replacement, but with Amendola struggling to stay healthy, Edelman proved to be not only best slot receiver, but also New England’s best wideout in general.

The notoriously stingy Patriots are unlikely to tag Edelman, and with several young wideouts on the roster already, it is very possible they’ll let Edelman walk. However, if Tom Brady’s opinion matters, and it certainly does, then chances are he’ll be back in a Patriots uniform in 2014, as Brady said he wants his team to re-sign Edelman. 

Aside from oft-injured tight end Rob Gronkowski, Edelman seems to be the only receiver that Brady trusts implicitly. And while last offseason we heard stories about Brady and Bill Belichick taking issue with Welker’s ego, Edelman gets routinely praised by his coach and QB for his hard work and team dedication.

You never know with the Patriots, but I’m guessing that they will re-sign Edelman, as the rest of the receiving core is either too injury-prone or too inexperienced, or both (hi, Aaron Dobson). Edelman’s skill as both a receiver and punt returner were key to the Patriots success in 2013, and I think the team will reward him with as multi-year deal.