Edelman on Welker/Talib hit: "I would have done the same thing"

Speaking minutes ago on radio row on the Felger and Massorati Show, Patriots wideout and soon to be free-agent Julian Edelman was asked what he thought of Wes Welker's hit on Aqib Talib that infuriated coach Bill Belichick. Edelman emphasized that he has in fact not seen enough of the play to offer any sort of definitive judgement on whether it was dirty or not, but he did say that if he was asked to deliver the same hit on the field, he would.

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An interesting take from Edelman, who also stated that Wes Welker is still a close friend of his and he would be happy for him if he were to get a Super Bowl ring this weekend. Edelman had a Welker-esque season in 2013, reeling in 105 receptions for 1,056 yards and six touchdowns. His reception total was good for 4th in the NFL. The Patriots certainly got a bang for their buck out of Edelman this year, who earned just $750,000 for the season.



But after such an increase in production this year, Edelman will certainly be offered more than that when he hits the free-agent market. The obvious question is whether or not the Patriots are willing to match these potentially high offers. Earlier this week, ESPN Boston writer Mike Reiss stated that the Patriots are unlikely to utilize the franchise tag to retain Edelman, mainly because it would pay him around $11 million.

Is it possible Brady's go-to-guy, a dynamic slot receiver, could be sent walking for the second straight year? Given the Patriots penny-pinching ways, it is a definite possibility.

@LiamPCunningham
@PatriotsLife