Julian Edelman signs one-year deal with the Patriots


What a couple days the Patriots have had. First they sign Tommy Kelly to bolster their defensive line. Next they sign Emmanuel Sanders to an offer sheet earlier today and now they are bringing back Julian Edelman on a one-year deal.


After his rookie year, Edelman was always seen as the heir-apparent to Wes Welker. Some even dubbed him "Mini-Welker" despite him actually being taller than Wes. My how things change though. With Wes Welker off to the Denver Broncos and Danny Amendola being brought in from St. Louis, Edelman was no certainty to return.

Edelman had a two day visit with the New York Giants last week and it was rumored the decision came down to either there or New England.

The quarterback turned receiver was drafted by the Patriots back in 2009 and has always been a fan favorite as its always apparent he leaves everything he has out on the field. His two best years were probably his rookie season, where he filled in for Welker in a couple of games due to injury, and last year. Edelman actually replaced Welker in the rotation at times and did impress - catching three touchdowns and adding another on a punt return.

The problem though was that he seemed to always get injured just when he was showing something. He was starting to have a good game against Baltimore (4 catches, 28 yards and a touchdown) but left early due to injury and missed the next three weeks. Then, after back to back good games against the Colts and Jets (total: 7 catches, 122 yards, 4 all purpose TDs) he was injured against the Dolphins and missed the rest of the year.

You can say this for every receiver on the Patriots roster, but, if he can stay healthy he can greatly help the Patriots this year. Perhaps 2013 will finally be Edelman's breakout year.