Patriots Release Julian Edelman With Failed Physical Designation

The New England Patriots decided to release veteran wideout Julian Edelman after 11 years. This was probably one of the most shocking decisions in the offseason. Fans didn’t even think that Edelman would leave the Patriots. Many thought that he’d retire as a Patriots player.

New England released the veteran wideout with a failed physical designation as noted by the NFL transaction wire.

The 35-year-old recovers from a knee injury that kept him on the sidelines for 10 games. He was limited in many other games. Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald reported it was “doubtful” the wideout would be healthy enough to play every game in 2021.

Edelman is now an unrestricted free agent. However, this transaction may be a precursor to a retirement announcement.

Patriots release Julian Edelman after 11 seasons

Edelman is a shoo-in for the Patriots Hall of Fame. He spent his entire career with the Patriots. The veteran did miss 2017 due to a torn ACL.

The former seventh-round draft pick became the best slot receiver in the NFL. Edelman ranks second in Patriots team history in career receptions. He only trails Wes Walker. Edelman is fourth in receiving yards, right behind Stanley Morgan, Rob Gronkowski and Welker. He is ninth in TD catches.

“He’s one of the best players in the history of the franchise,” former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said of Edelman in 2019. “When you think of some of the great receivers we’ve had, Julian is right up there at the top. … He’s an incredible player, an incredible teammate, and the more we get him the ball, the better it is for our offense.”

Head coach Bill Belichick once said Edelman was “one of the most competitive players I’ve ever coached.”

Edelman is a three-time Super Bowl champion. He is one of the best postseason pass-catchers in NFL history. He trails Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice in playoff receptions and receiving yards. Edelman had 24 catches for 337 yards and one TD in his three Super Bowl wins. We will always remember his ultimate reception in the Patriots’ comeback against the Atlanta Falcons. He was the Super Bowl MVP in 2018 with 12 targets, 10 catches, and 141 yards.