Patriots: Best Value Players
2. Julian Edelman – four-years, $17 million (two years remaining)
What can’t you say about Edelman, the Patriots and NFL star? While he’s asserted himself as a top 15 receiver in the league, he certainly isn’t paid like one. Edelman is just 34th in annual salary for wide receivers after ultimately deciding to re-sign with the Patriots as a free agent in 2014.
Here are all 61 colleges represented on Patriots roster
Edelman has quickly earned every dime of his contract through explosive receptions, becoming a reliable option on third down, and even sometimes catching the game-winning touchdown in the Super Bowl. He’s had his obstacles with a few injuries, most notably the broken foot that sidelined him seven games, and the Patriots have paid the price. Last season, Edelman came into the game against the New York Giants with a team-high 61 receptions, and the team undefeated, but in the games following his injury, the Patriots faltered. The Patriots finished out the regular season with three wins and four losses, solidifying the argument that Julian Edelman is extremely valuable to the team.
The Patriots are incredibly fortunate to receive Edelman’s skills at such a discounted price. Edelman is in the middle, or possibly heading toward the end, of his prime and by the time his contract is up, he’ll be nearly 32. The Patriots will have gotten everything out of the shifty, reliable playmaker that they could ever possibly get, and the fact that Edelman is making barely $4 million a year is astonishing.
Next: 1. A Versatile Playmaker