New England Patriots: Four players, two coaches among 99 who will shape 2017 season
By Matty Simo
With the 2017 NFL regular season kicking off in 99 days, ESPN named 99 people who will shape it. The New England Patriots dominated the list.
On Wednesday, ESPN released a list of 99 people who will shape the 2017 season. As the reigning Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots had their own category.
But wide receiver Julian Edelman is the first Patriot mentioned as a key “Player in a contract year” looking to earn a new deal. Edelman is due to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Other players in that category include Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford and Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Melvin Ingram.
From ESPN’s Dan Graziano:
"Everybody wants to talk about Malcolm Butler’s contract situation, but Edelman has caught more than 90 passes in three of the past four seasons and is making $4.5 million in the final year of his deal. Is he destined for the Wes Welker treatment or a long-term contract in New England?"
In addition, quarterbacks Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo, tight end Rob Gronkowski, head coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels made the list. Gronkowski easily could have appeared in the “Stars returning from injury” category, headlined by Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt.
Graziano noted that Brady could have appeared in multiple categories such as “How much longer will they play?” and “Offensive MVP race.” According to Graziano, “As long as (Brady’s) in the league, he will shape every season in some way.”
Meanwhile, Garoppolo is listed in the “Next wave of QB stars” category and viewed as a top prospect. However, his impact this season will obviously depend on whether or not he sees the field.
More from Graziano:
"Tom Brady would have to get hurt (or, I guess, suspended) for Garoppolo to play. But that New England held so tightly to Garoppolo this offseason means it isn’t ruled him out as a large part of its future."
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Coaches Belichick and McDaniels are also the best at what they do. Both are focused on bringing a sixth Super Bowl title to New England. For McDaniels, he could have pursued head coaching jobs. But he has said his current job is better than those other opportunities that were available. Hard to argue with that or any of the Patriots who made this list.