4 likely destinations for Julian Edelman

Sadly, Edelman could be flying out of Foxborough.  But at least he'll look good.

Obviously on top of any Patriots offseason list is to resign Julian Edelman. After showing flashes of brilliance early in his career with the Patriots, this season he took over the starting role and ran with it. Edelman perfectly filled the Wes Welker void and quickly became Brady's go to man. The only question is can the Patriots keep him around. I sure hope they can.

Here are the four teams (plus a special bonus) that I'd see Edelman playing for come next season - in no particular order:

New England Patriots

Yes, our prayers are answered and Julian is offered maybe not as much money as he could get outside the team, but he comes back to his home to win a championship. The biggest thing going against the Patriots is their cap space which is pretty small given the amount of work they'd like to get done this offseason. Hopefully the Patriots can get the space lined up so they can bring back Minitron and we can again see his shiftiness out on the fields of Gillette again.

Houston Texans

Add receiver onto the long list of problems the Texans have to fix this offseason.

With the always productive Andre Johnson and the at times brilliant DeAndre Hopkins, the Texans do have some receivers moving forward into next year. This biggest reason this could happen is new head coach Bill O'Brien. He used to be the Patriots offensive coordinator and thus has worked with Edelman before. We've seen this happen when good old McDaniels went to take over the Broncos. First McDaniels tried to trade for Matt Cassell and then did trade for Laurence Maroney. God how did McDaniels last that long as a head coach?

Anyways, with the Texans rebuilding and O'Briens connections with Edelman, Houston could be a possible landing spot for him.

Minnesota Vikings

The biggest thing the Vikings have going for them this offseason is the $24,428,286 they have in cap space. They do have a lot of holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball, but with the emergence of Cordarrelle Patterson and signing Greg Jennings last year to play the outside, the Vikings offense could use a strong slot receiver, especially if they draft a QB to take over.

Imagine worrying about the route running of Jennings, the speed of Patterson and Edelman coming out of the slot. That would make the Vikings passing attack a lot strong. And lets not forget that you have the greatest running back ever in your backfield.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have already had success taking Patriot players in free agency. They signed the Law Firm (BenJarvus Green-Ellis) back in 2012 and he has given them two solid years at running back. With the obvious struggles of Andy Dalton, the Bengals would do well to get him as many weapons as possible if they want to win a playoff game.

With A.J. Green already emerging as one of the top receivers in the game, adding a slot guy like Edelman could add a lot to their offense.

Dark Horse: Chicago Bears

Imagine Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery on the outside with Julian Edelman in the slot. Jay Cutler would be a happy little boy.

Let me know what other teams you think could use Edelman's smoothie making abilities in the comments and on twitter.

Photo via patriotsgap.com

- Pete Rogers
@ftcsports
@petahrahgas