On Monday, the Patriots released Julian Edelman with a failed physical and then shortly thereafter the 34-year-old wide receiver announced his retirement.
Speaking on NFL Total Access, Ian Rapoport provided some more details, including how the Patriots were pretty aware following last season Edelman would not be on the field for 2021.
“It really did begin last year,” he said. “Of course, Julian Edelman tried to play through a pretty serious knee injury. Actually thought he was going to come back late in the season after having surgery — just was not able to do it. Tried to practice, had a little bit of a setback, was not on the field again and at that point, it became very clear to the people close to Julian Edelman that this knee injury was troublesome and potentially career-ending.
“Of course, the Patriots took their time with this and let Edelman take his time, prove to himself he could get healthy. They tried to allow him as much time as possible just to be able to play in the 2021 season despite the fact that they also planned without him. They signed Kendrick Bourne, they signed Nelson Agholor. They moved on but gave him every opportunity. In the end, Edelman knew it was time and the Patriots knew it was time.”
Edelman recorded 21 catches for 315 yards in six games last season.
