ivanvamp

I think Edelman may be the key player in the "What is the best way to approach the offseason for the Pats?" issue. If the Pats believe he can give them 80% of what Welker did (not necessarily in terms of production but in terms of effectiveness...and no, those aren't the same things), then they can do it at a fraction of the cost and use Welker's money to shore up the team elsewhere.

I personally think he has the skill not to duplicate what Welker does, because Wes is a unique player. But I do think Edelman can be a very, very effective replacement, at a much lower cost. The issue for him is whether or not he can stay healthy. One of the great things about Welker is that he's a cyborg, apparently. He takes so many huge hits and just keeps on playing. Edelman spends a lot more time injured than Welker does.

But if they had confidence in Edelman - and really, couldn't that be the reason they gave him so much playing time to start the year, instead of Welker...as a sort of "tryout"? - they could then spend the $10 million on defensive help or to add another big-time receiver.

Gronkandez

He simply can't be depended on to stay healthy IMO. Between Gronk, Hernandez and Edelman you'd be lucky to have two of them on the field at the same time.

Jackson 2

Praising Edelman in any way, shape or form is a sure-fire way to get yourself in trouble around here. You've been warned!

DarrylStingley

A good friend who is an astute Pats observer always says that Edelman's playing style is so balls to the wall that he will not be able to stay on the field. He even predicted that he'd be knocked out for the season by week 10.

Edelman's abandon is what makes him great. But I'm not convinced that he can stay on the field playing as he does.

I hope he can as his performance against the Jests on TGiving night was electrifying. Here's to more of that AND him staying healthy.

I just don't know that we can count on it.

Bhelmet

I think Edelman and Vereen make up for Welker. It will take 2 guys to replace him - and health is always an issue no matter who the player.

Nehalem

This is the part that scares me the most.

DarrylStingley

As a Boston sports fan who regularly deals with NYers where I live, I feel for you being in Maryland right now.

Must not be terrific.

TruthSeeker

Sign the beast.

mayoclinic

I think that Edelman is a poor man's Randall Cobb, who adds a terrific dimension to the offense. He has an explosiveness that Welker lacks, and he is capable of creating big plays, as is Vereen. Those 2 guys together make a very dangerous combination, IMHO - it's difficult to cover them both, they can be moved around in a lot of ways, and either is capable of breaking lose for a huge play.

But I also agree that Edelman's style of play is very reckless, and that he is likely to be banged up on a regular basis. It comes with the territory. I think he should be re-signed and will be a valuable weapon, but I also think that you don't want to count on him too much, at your own peril.

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"OVER Loading at ANY position can create a Fatal Advantage. THAT is what interests ME. Attacking With Concentrated Force. THAT is what WINS. In the words ~ more or less ~ of General Patton: 'I'm fighting a WAR, here. Let the B*****ES worry about their FLANKS.' " - Off the Grid

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signbabybrady

I find this assertion to be way off base. Edelman has very little to do with it.

Brady is the key and if you want to save the money on Welker I dont disagree with that as I think that would be my preference however I just dont see this team not bringing him back.

Especially given the TEs we have Brady does not need Wes in order for the passing game to be good enough. And regardless of Edelman this is true. Under this scenario your passing attack will still be at the top of the league but will likely take a step back but you save anywhere from 5-9 mil depending on if we would tag Wes and depending on what we replace Wes with if we didnt. That money could be used to make the D better.

What I see happening is both Wes and Edelman will be retained and a cheaper option will be brought in to be a deep threat either through the draft or a second or third tier FA. This does two things it gives us a deep option and it increases depth and it doesn't really change the money we spend on the position from this year to next.

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