Patriots offer Julian Edelman a three year deal

The Pats seem to be working hard to retain wide receiver Julian Edelman before free agency starts today at 4 PM.

The former seventh round pick is expected to draw a lot of interest in free agency, as he was a key to the Patriots offense last season and Brady's only reliable target. They have apparently put an offer on the table, and now it is in Edelman's hands.

#Patriots offered WR Julian Edelman a three-year deal, per source. Would like an answer by the start of free agency. They want to keep him

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2014

Often a jack of all trades in a reserve role, Edelman finally came into his own last season with a 105 catch, 1,056 yard and 6 TD season. It's enough to probably earn him a contract somewhere in the $3-5 million range. The Patriots tend to not budge from what they believe to be a fair offer, so if Edelman does not sign this contract by 4 PM, he could walk if someone offers him a better deal.