Patriots: Julian Edelman has stone-cold response to Bill Belichick releasing Cam Newton
Some of us may have processed it already, but others are still taken aback by the New England Patriots‘ decision (well, Bill Belichick’s decision) to release Cam Newton earlier this week.
It’s been covered extensively by beat writers and every major media outlet … but what about hearing a word from the players who spent extensive time with the Patriots and Belichick?
The top two guys that come to mind who can provide the most reliable insight are Tom Brady and Julian Edelman.
With TB12 having bigger fish to fry with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Edelman came through since this is … literally his job now as an analyst for “Inside the NFL.”
As you’ll recall, he was also a teammate of Newton’s.
And we have to admit, he really couldn’t have been more candid about the situation as well as Belichick’s way of doing things.
Julian Edelman shared his thoughts on the Patriots going with Mac Jones as their starting QB over Cam Newton:https://t.co/H9Bfi0brts
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) September 1, 2021
"“Nothing surprises me with Bill. Just look at the history,” Edelman said. “Logan Mankins was let go. Lawyer Milloy, [Richard] Seymour. I think the kid came out and did very well. You could see in his eyes, see in his reads, that he felt very comfortable in the pocket. He was looking at the right areas. He ran the no-huddle well.“I don’t think he beat [Newton] out, but the ceiling is so high and after spending the 15th overall pick on him, they’re going to go with him. It didn’t surprise me.”"
Alright, Jules, now care to tell us if Bill forced you out of Foxborough this offseason? Just kidding!
Edelman spent 11 seasons in New England and was among the most prototypical Patriots of all time — a former seventh-round draft pick transitioning from quarterback to wide receiver who ended up stealing Wes Welker’s job and was integral for three victorious Super Bowl runs. It’s clear he understands Belichick’s way of thinking … as callous as it may seem.
Julian Edelman hit the nail on the head on why the #Patriots opted to release Cam rather than keep him as a backup. Cam’s presence on the roster presents a potential distraction the second Mac plays a bad game, “why not put Cam in?” Cam is too big of a star to back up a rookie. pic.twitter.com/XVALjplnoV
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) September 2, 2021
Not even a year removed from retirement and Edelman is dropping truth bombs about his former team in the mainstream media … but in the most diplomatic way possible. Edelman understands Belichick and can effectively articulate what likely led to a tough decision that he’s seen countless times throughout his career in Foxborough.
Sorry, Coach, but there’s now a former Patriot out there helping reveal information about your inner workings. You may not like it, but Edelman has a new career, and he’s just trying to “do his job.”
