Edelman offers no hints on his future with Patriots
FOXBOROUH, Mass. — Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman capped off the 2020 season with an inspirational Instagram post Monday morning.
“As we move past a year filled with challenges and adversity, it’s important to reflect and understand how we can use them to grow,” Edelman wrote. “From day one, our team showed fight, pushing through countless obstacles standing in the way of success. This team, this organization, this fan base knows nothing but hard work. And this year showed that in spades.
“I can’t express how proud I am of my brothers for digging in and fighting to the last whistle. And to Pats Nation, thank you for riding with us all year. In New England, we know how to keep our eyes downfield, focused on the next task. Control what you can control. Give everything you have to go out and conquer that next obstacle.”
Edelman is under contract through the 2021 season, the final year of a two-year extension worth up to $18 million.
But after undergoing a procedure on his left knee in October, he missed the final 10 weeks of the season on injured reserve. He returned to practice ahead of NewEngland’s Week 15 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, but did not practice in subsequent weeks and was not activated to the 53-man roster.
Coach Bill Belichick said last Friday that Edelman did not suffer a setback.
“I would just say he wasn’t ready to play,” Belichick said.
Asked about Edelman’s status, Belichick would not comment on the future.
“I think it’s way too early to start talking about next year,” he said.
Edelman hasn’t spoken to the media since his procedure, and his end-of-season note did not address his plans for next season.
Although Edelman was sidelined for much of the year, he remained an active participant in meetings. Second-year receiver Jakobi Meyers credited the 34-year-old veteran on multiple occasions for his guidance and support.
Without Edelman, New England’s wide receiver depth chart included Meyers, Damiere Byrd, N’Keal Harry, and Gunner Olszewski.
“[Edelman] was around regularly,” Belichick said. “He did a good job of using his experience to help other guys in areas that he was familiar with.”
In the six games he played this season, Edelman caught 21 passes for 315 yards and no touchdowns. His best performance by far came in Week 2, when he posted a career-high 179 receiving yards against the Seattle Seahawks.
Edelman, drafted in the seventh round in 2009, has spent all 11 years of his NFL career in New England and won three Super Bowls. This season marked his first without quarterback Tom Brady, his first without a playoff berth, and his first with a losing record.
Edelman currently ranks fourth in receiving yards (6,822) in franchise history, behind Wes Welker (7,459), Rob Gronkowski (7,861), and Stanley Morgan (10,352). He also ranks second in receptions (620), behind Welker (672).