Julian Edelman

Edelman, 34, had basically spent the past two seasons attempting to improve his knee to no avail. He hangs up his cleats after an extremely successful career with the Patriots, arriving via a seventh-round pick in the 2009 draft and finishing after 11 seasons with 620 catches for 6,822 yards and 36 touchdowns, 58 rushing attempts for 413 yards, 177 punt returns for 1,986 yards and four touchdowns, 30 kick returns for 626 yards, and six completions on six passing attempts for 128 yards with one score and a perfect 158.3 passer rating. He has an outside shot of qualifying for the Hall of Fame on his postseason resume (118/1,422/5) alone.

Edelman's contract was terminated following a failed physical. Although there likely isn't a market for a veteran slot guy who turns 35 in May and underwent knee surgery in October, there's a terrific chance Tom Brady rallies the front office to make room for his old teammate in Tampa Bay; the Buccaneers still have a need there with Antonio Brown reportedly holding out for more money. It's also possible this move is a precursor to Edelman simply walking away after winning three rings and one Super Bowl MVP award in 11 seasons with New England. The transaction frees up $3.4 million in cap space for the Pats.

The report is via a "source familiar with Edelman’s situation." Per the source, "while surgery can provide temporary relief, nothing can solve the underlying problem." Edelman was limited to six games last season, undergoing surgery in October. The Pats aggressively addressed receiver in free agency and could do so again in the draft. Headed into his age-35 campaign with a lengthy injury history even before the knee ailment that has hounded him the past two years, Edelman seems to have reached "any contribution will be a bonus" territory. The Patriots need to decide if that is worth Edelman's $2.8 million base salary. 

"My understanding is he does want to play in 2021," Rapoport said of Edelman's current status, "that's not the important thing. The important thing is his knee going to be healthy enough to play. He's still rehabbing. He's still recovering. Still trying to see if he's healthy enough to be out there for the 2021 season." Due $2.8 million in base salary this upcoming year, the Patriots will likely keep the veteran around if there's even an outside chance he's available at some point mid-season. 35 in May and obviously still recovering, however, Edelman remains one of the easier fades in any offseason fantasy drafts. He should be considered questionable for Week 1.