Not as upsetting as missing the playoffs though.
Pats/Edelman can’t reach deal
Looks like Edelman will hit free agency and the Pats will move on to another option.
Patriots and WR Julian Edelman were unable to reach a deal today and he will test the market.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
A source close to Edelman said that side didn’t believe it was fair value and did not like team deadline imposed upon him. #PatriotsTalk
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi)
Expect the Pats to be taking a look at other receivers in the next day. As we saw last year with Welker, they are likely done with Edelman.
There’s also this:
And that said, my sense is that Edelman goes to the market on better terms with Patriots than Welker did last year. He could still be back.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 11, 2014
Pre-Free Agency Patriots Update
The wheels of free agency are spinning, with conflicting reports and airport stakeouts already flying. I try to sit back and enjoy the madness and not put too much weight into any report until it’s a finalized done deal and reported by real NFL media, not some random person you’ve never heard from before suddenly breaking news about the Pats.
So here’s a collection of rumors and speculation as we wind down the final few hours until the frenzy begins…
Two teams to watch on CB Darrelle Revis once Tampa releases him: Philadelphia and New England (Jets fans shudder).
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2014
Ah, the juiciest rumor of all. How realistic? I’m not holding my breath.
Things are even crazier with Talib…
Source: Aqib Talib is very close to a deal with Patriots. #NFLFreeagency
— Dianna Marie Russini (@NBCdianna) March 11, 2014
Okay, that was last night, and now…? Mike Giardi of CSNNE.com reports Talib has no standing offers. That’s free agency Tuesday for you.
As for Julian Edelman, the Pats were supposedly making a push on him last night and now have a standing three year offer that they want an answer on by 4pm EST. Jules must be weighing that pretty heavily, because if he rejects the Pats will likely be on to plan B just like they were with Revis last year.
#Patriots offered WR Julian Edelman a three-year deal, per source. Would like an answer by the start of free agency. They want to keep him
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2014
Finally we get the first report of a potential external free agent visit, Wesley Woodyard of the Broncos. He’s a coverage linebacker, smaller than the Pats traditionally have gone with, but they definitely need depth at the position and he’d bring a different element to the squad.
Despite interest from DAL, source close to Wesley Woodyard told me his 1st trip is to NE, with another team visit planned after
— Brandon Krisztal (@BKDenverSports) March 11, 2014
Stay tuned, plenty more to come, obviously…
Somewhere along the line, the theory that the Patriots aren’t going for it, and are content to do just enough to be a playoff contender, has picked up momentum. The chatter particularly seems to intensify at this time of year when NFL teams are handing out big-money contracts with free agency set to begin. There are two main issues with this line of thinking – the independent financial data doesn’t support it, and it overlooks the more pressing issue: It’s not that the Patriots aren’t spending money, it’s how they’re spending it.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/somewhere-along-the-line-the-theory-that-the/
Source: New England Patriots WR Aaron Dobson had surgery to repair stress fracture | masslive.com
Source: New England Patriots WR Aaron Dobson had surgery to repair stress fracture | masslive.com
Here’s your “start of free agency” buzz kill. Unfortunate that Dobson couldn’t get healthy with rest and so much for working with Brady during the offseason…
7 Biggest Draft Day Mistakes in New England Patriots History
7 Biggest Draft Day Mistakes in New England Patriots History
Kicking off today’s free agency frenzy with a fun piece looking back at some Patriots draft whiffs. It’s surprising how many times they’ve struck out in the second round. I also included “20/20 Hindsight” picks.