Patriots’ Julian Edelman & Lawrence Guy Explain Why They Didn’t Opt Out of 2020 Season

The New England Patriots lost several players this offseason. Eight players decided to opt-out of the regular season. Patriots wideout Julian Edelman and defensive tackle Lawrence Guy will join the team in 2020 and they have a few good reasons to make this decision.

Edelman and Lawrence said they plan to play. Wonder why?

“It was fairly easy for me because of my situation and what’s going on in my life right now,” Edelman said in a video conference with reporters. “I can’t speak for other people. A lot people are in a lot of different situations, so you don’t think of anyone differently for choosing not to play or to play. Everyone’s in a different particular little thing — if you’re having a kid or some underlying this, some that. I’m not a doctor, and this isn’t something not to be scared about. But I thought it would be best for me and my family if I were to go out, and that’s what I chose to do.”

Julian Edelman and his Pats are ready for 2020

Guy first planned to opt out of the upcoming season. However, he accepted the protocols the league and New England have to protect players from the virus. The veteran D-lineman respects the teammates who have decided not to play in 2020. Well, everyone has a right to do what’s best for them and their loved ones. Several players have health concerns. Some of them have babies or pregnant ladies. That’s more than enough to stay home. Lawrence and pretty much every Patriot out there respects this decision. COVID-19 is not a joke, and players take it seriously.

“Everybody has to do what they’ve got to do,” Guy said. “You have to give credit to people that did opt out. They opted out for a certain reason. They’re looking out for their health and their family’s health. … I wanted to play football this year, (but) it was something that you always discuss. Every last one of the people in the locker room, you can’t say they didn’t discuss it, because the concerns are there.

“There’s always going to be concerns, because this is a virus that nobody has the answer for. So that is there. But (we’re) understanding that the team is doing the best they can to keep us safe. They’re cleaning the facilities. And players holding each other accountable of trying to keep everybody else’s family safe is one of those things that you really know is going to happen here. So me knowing that and me having that trust in my teammates gave me the opportunity to say, ‘Hey, I’m going to play this year.’

“But I understand people that decided they wanted to opt out. That’s part of their reasons they did it, and you can’t blame them for doing it.”

Belichick changes the formula

Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower, safety Patrick Chung, offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, running back Brandon Bolden, tight end Matt LaCosse, receiver Marqise Lee, fullback Danny Vitale and guard Najee Toran won’t join the Patriots in 2020. The Patriots’ eight opt-outs were the most by any football team in the league.

The Patriots will have a different season, and this will be their first season without Tom Brady.