The New England Patriots haven’t landed a big wide receiver for Tom Brady to throw to in 2014, which means there is added incentive to make sure Julian Edelman doesn’t return home to the Bay Area to sign with the San Francisco 49ers.
After meeting with the Niners on Friday, Edelman is apparently back in New England to try and work out a deal that keeps him with the Patriots.
The only other real option for Edelman was San Francisco, and it was always unlikely that they’d go above and beyond to get him. With Mario Manningham, Anquan Boldin and a returning Michael Crabtree — plus whoever they luck into this May — the Niners appear to be set at receiver.
New England is not as set and that means getting Edelman back will be key. There’s a chance that the Broncos steal him, because they seem to be in that mood, but the likeliest scenario is Edelman being Tom Brady’s target in 2014 again.