BY NICK ST. DENIS
As of last week, the New England Patriots had reportedly yet to begin contract talks with their leading receiver and soon-to-be free agent Julian Edelman, instead focusing their attention on cornerback Aqib Talib.
But with Talib yet to be re-signed and likely to hit the open market Tuesday, the Patriots have shifted some attention to Edelman.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Patriots had dialoge with Edelman and his representative Thursday.
The 27-year-old wideout is coming off a year in which he hauled in 105 receptions on a one-year contract as, more or less, Wes Welker's replacement. Like Welker, Edelman quickly established himself as quarterback Tom Brady's go-to guy and earned himself a multi-year deal.
If New England doesn't pay up, someone else gladly will.
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