The Patriots shouldn’t count on much from Julian Edelman in 2021.
According to Karen Guregian of The Boston Herald, Edelman likely won’t play the full 2021 season because of chronic knee issues.
The 35-year-old was placed on injured reserve last season in October following undergoing a knee procedure, which is the most recent of many he's needed to have.
So, what does this mean for the Patriots' wide receiver position? It even furthers what we’ve been saying for the last few weeks: More is needed, especially a No. 1 option.
Right now, the depth chart has: Edelman, N’Keal Harry, Jakobi Meyers, Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, Gunner Olszewski, Isaiah Zuber, Devin Smith and Kristian Wilkerson. It also isn’t a guarantee Harry is on the roster come the season, as he’s reportedly been in trade talks and potentially could happen around the draft.
With free agency in the rear-view mirror, the only real way to add quality talent is via the draft, or trade, the former being most likely. Fortunately for the Patriots, this wide receivers class is said to be terrific once again.
While the Patriots haven’t had a great deal of success when it comes to selecting players at the position, given the need and the quality of players likely available, it might not be a bad idea to select a wide out at No. 15 overall.
A stud rookie along with Meyers, Agholor, Bourne, potentially Harry and whatever Edelman is able to give really isn’t that bad of a depth chart. It also wouldn’t be a bad idea for the team to add a veteran still available prior to training camp.
Given the team being so active in adding tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith in free agency, it’s likely they had some idea of Edelman’s future. It also could give the 35-year-old peace of mind knowing he isn’t as counted on as he’s once been so it’s OK to potentially go easy early in the year and save himself for the games that really matter.
This news certainly isn’t great for the team, but it’s clear they had an idea it was coming.