Patriots’ Bill Belichick May Have Stolen the Next Julian Edelman for $1.7 Million

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick built a dynasty and his proven formula has helped the team stay on the top for many years. Belichick is able to turn undervalued players into key contributors. That’s the story of veteran wideout Julian Edelman. He joined the Pats as a seventh-round pick in 2009. Today, the wideout has three Super Bowl rings and has built a strong legacy as one of the best players in Patriots history. Edelman will have to retire at some point, and the Patriots need to work on their options. It turns out that head coach Belichick has signed his next Julian Edelman. Can you make any guesses?

Edelman was the 232^nd player selected in the 2009 NFL Draft. The Patriots nation couldn’t even imagine that Edelman would become a key contributor. He played quarterback at Kent State and his road to the NFL wasn’t really precise.

The 198-pounder showed great quickness and agility which is why Belichick turned him into a wideout. It was a game-changing switch.

Wes Welker was about to leave the organization and the Patriots needed to find a long-term replacement. Edelman didn’t become a full-time starter until his fifth year. He became Tom Brady’s most trusted target and has had three 1,000-yard seasons since 2013. Edelman was able to catch 118 passes for 1,442 yards and five touchdowns in 19 postseason games. His role was huge, and he helped the team win three titles.

Replacing Edelman won’t be easy, but he has sustained a lot of injuries and the Patriots need to plan their future. Does Gunner Olszewski fit in this picture?

Gunner Olszewski may be the next Julian Edelman

Olszewski didn’t really cause a stir in the NFL draft. He played at Bemidji State University and was a cornerback for the Division II program. Olszewski won the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Defensive Player of the Year in his senior campaign.

He didn’t have much luck in the NFL draft. However, the Patriots signed him to a three-year deal worth $1.7 million. Olszewski was an undrafted free agent but the Patriots liked his work in training camp. He played eight games as a rookie and caught two passes for 34 yards. Olszewski returned 20 punts for 179 yards before the Patriots added him to injured reserve.

Belichick likes Olszewski and he actually makes us think of Edelman. They have so much in common.

“Gunner’s improved tremendously, both physically and from a football standpoint,” Belichick said. “He’s learned how to do a lot of different things for us, and he continues to work on things that will expand his opportunities.”