NFL Rumors: The Patriots Have Not Reached Out To Julian Edelman

Jan 11, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) gets away from Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (23) during the second quarter of the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

According to the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin, the New England Patriots have yet to meet with impending free agent Julian Edelman. The Pats have already met with Aqib Talib, who is the other big name free agent they may want to retain, but there has been no contact with the former Kent State signal caller.

Edelman had a terrific 2013 season, hauling in 105 passes, and amassing 1,056 yards. He was the only wideout that managed to stay healthy for the entire year, and because of that, he became Tom Brady’s number one target. However I think that Talib is far more important to re-sign, due to the impact he has on New England’s secondary. Edelman is a fine receiver, but there are players out there that play just as well, if not better than him.

Volin also says that New England haven’t met with Ryan Wendell about a new contract, although I am hopeful that they decide not to bring him back. He had a good 2012 campaign, but he really fell off last year, possibly playing himself off of the Patriots’ roster.

In other Patriots related news, it appears that safety Steve Gregory is afraid of potentially getting cut, as Volin mentions:

"Count safety Steve Gregory among the veterans concerned that he might be a salary-cap casualty this offseason with the Patriots in need of creating space, according to a league source. Gregory, an eight-year veteran who just wrapped up his second season with the Patriots, was solid in run defense but a bit of a liability in pass coverage in 2013.Gregory’s cap number increased to $3.683 million for 2014 based on play-time markers, but the Patriots can save $2.85 million of that if they cut him before next season, the final year of his deal. Gregory earned a $350,000 bonus for playing in more than 70 percent of snaps last year (72.6 percent) but missed out on a $700,000 bonus for 80 percent."