Julian Edelman Released by the Patriots, Another Legend Moves On

Steve Balestrieri

3 years ago at 4:46 pm ET

Erich Schlegel - USA TODAY Sports

Following a failed physical designation the Patriots have terminated the contract of Julian Edelman. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport was the first to report the news.

Edelman, 34, spent his entire 11-season career with the Patriots, winning three Super Bowls. He was named Super Bowl LIII MVP after catching 10 passes for 141 yards in New England’s 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams in 2019. He also made one of the greatest catches ever in Super Bowl history against the Atlanta Falcons.

One of Tom Brady’s most trusted receivers on the field and his best friend off of it. Edelman had a long career but his ability and willingness to do the dirty work in the middle of the field finally took a toll on the converted QB turned wide receiver.

Edelman was recovering from a knee injury that limited him to just six games last season and limited him in several of those. He underwent a surgical procedure on that knee in late October. It’s been reported that his situation is a bone-on-bone issue.

The Boston Herald’s Karen Guregian quoted sources last week that it was doubtful that Edelman would be able to suit up every week, if at all in 2021.

By releasing him the Patriots save roughly $3.4 million in salary-cap space while leaving behind $2.7 million in dead money. However, saying goodbye to another legend is a tough choice for Bill Belichick but it was thought last year that despite Edelman’s effort in trying to get back on the field, that it was going to be tough. Now it seems, his Patriots career is over.

Edelman ranks second all-time for the Patriots in receptions (620), fourth all-time in receiving yards (6,822), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (36). He also is the franchise’s all-time leader with four punt returns for touchdowns, and he ranks third in franchise history in punt return yards (1,986).

The former option QB was also a perfect 6-for-6 as a passer in the regular season, compiling 128 passing yards and a touchdown, while completing one of his two playoff passes for 51 yards and a touchdown. He compiled 413 regular-season rushing yards and 81 more rushing yards and a touchdown in the postseason. He even played defensive back in the 2011 AFC Championship Game.

He’ll be missed.