Patriots focus lies with Aqib Talib over Julian Edelman
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| USA Today Images |
Per the Globe:
While they had preliminary contact with the agent of free agent cornerback Aqib Talib at the combine, sources say they haven’t approached impending free agents Julian Edelman and Ryan Wendell about contracts, or guard Logan Mankins or safety Devin McCourty about potential extensions to help lower their 2014 cap numbers.
As the Globe mentions, the Patriots have already made the initial approach to Aqib Talib's agent over any of their other free agents, which to me is a clear indication that the Patriots would rather keep their defense from last year mostly intact. Injuries decimated the Patriots defensive unit, but the defense showed some potential early on in the season and could be a formidable unit if healthy in 2014.
I'd personally like to see both Talib and Edelman back, but that might be unrealistic given the Patriots cap situation. If I had to chose between the 2, I'd prefer to keep Talib over Edelman, assuming he's healthy and effective for 16 games, because the Seahawks showed that defense is still important and Talib is still a top corner. That is, when he's healthy, and that's the main concern for whichever team signs Talib. He was integral in getting the Patriots to the last 2 championship games, yet left both with injuries. He was also injured for a good portion of the 2013 season. When healthy, though, he is one of the best corners in the game.
Twitter - @ConorJF1016
