Monday, February 24, 2014

With Talib in focus, Patriots yet to talk with Edelman

BY NICK ST. DENIS

New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman anchored the team's passing offense in 2013, and cornerback Aqib Talib anchored the Patriots' passing defense.

Now, the organization is tasked with anchoring both of them to the roster.

Both players are slated for free agency this offseason if they don't re-sign prior to the market opening in March. The Patriots are either taking it one player at a time, or they just don't see one as a priority.

According to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe, the Patriots met with Talib's representatives at the NFL Scouting Combine this past weekend but still have yet to "approach" Edelman about signing a new deal.

If Edelman were to walk, the Patriots would be saying goodbye to Tom Brady's top target for the second consecutive year. It's safe to say that doing so wouldn't be in their best interests and probably wouldn't sit well with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, especially considering Edelman won't be demanding the kind of money Wes Welker did 12 months ago.

We can understand, however, their immediate attention being on Talib, who is arguably the top cornerback on the free market and is undoubtedly a difference-maker on the defense.

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