New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hinted he could be ready to hang it up following an injury-riddled 2020 season.
Edelman appeared on the latest edition of Barstool Sports' Pardon My Take podcast, talking all things Patriots both past and present. When asked to confirm he would return in 2021, however, Edelman responded by citing a desire to spend time with his family (via Pro Football Talk):
Edelman said “we’re not there yet” when asked if he could dispel talk of his retirement. He also said he wanted to get away from football for a bit and decompress by spending time with his daughter, but added that he is working on a plan for the offseason.
Edelman is technically under contract through 2021. But the Patriots could save $4 million against the cap by cutting Edelman.
Head coach Bill Belichick said at the beginning of the month it was too early to definitively say whether Edelman would be back with New England next season or not. Of course, it might not even get that far if Edelman decides to retire.
The 34-year-old played just six games in 2020 and was sidelined after Week 7 due to knee surgery. Edelman has been productive even as recent as 2019, when he had 100 receptions for a career-high 1,117 yards. But age and health are key determinants, both for the Pats and for Edelman himself.
If this is the end of the line for Edelman, he will be remembered as a Patriots great who never failed to show his mettle in big games.
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