Julian Edelman’s Time With the Patriots is Over

(Photo: Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)

The New England Patriots have terminated wide receiver Julian Edelman’s contact, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Further reporting from ESPN’s Adam Schefter through Mike Reiss indicates that despite being a free agent, the expectation is that Edelman will retire.

Edelman was with the Patriots for 12 seasons. He finished with 620 receptions for 6,882 receiving yards and hauled in 36 touchdowns over his regular season career. He also had 413 rushing yards, 128 passing yards and one passing touchdown. Edelman never threw an incomplete pass during the regular season, a perfect six for six.

He is also a 3-time Super Bowl champion and second all-time in postseason receiving yards and receptions. Edelman was the MVP of Super Bowl LIII and grew to be Tom Brady’s favorite target during his time in New England. He is arguably the greatest wide receiver is Patriots history.

Edelman has likely played his last down in the National Football League, and he certainly left his mark.

The Patriots may now look to the NFL Draft to see if they can improve the wide receiver room.