Julian Edelman’s knees make it unlikely he plays all of 2021

New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman missed most of 2020 and might be missing more time in 2021 with knee problems.

Julian Edelman’s NFL career might be coming to a close.

Edelman has been a prolific receiver for the last decade with the New England Patriots. However, running 35 years old in May, the three-time Super Bowl champion is at a medical crossroads.

After missing 10 games due to a bad knee in 2020, Boston Herald writer Karen Guregian is reporting Edelman is likely to miss more time in the upcoming season for the same reason. Guregian also points out while surgery would alleviate the problem for awhile, it won’t treat was has become a chronic condition.

Is this it for Julian Edelman with the Patriots?

With Edelman entering the last year of his deal, the Patriots could decide to move on and leave him on the open market. With such significant knee issues, it’s fair to wonder if a team would pick him up and if they do, could he pass a physical?

Should New England decide to move on from Edelman, it would save approximately $3.4 million against the cap, money head coach Bill Belichick could roll over for the following offseason. Considering the Patriots signed a litany of pass-catchers including tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, and receivers Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor, they could have been preparing to say farewell for months.

If this is it for Edelman, he would be finishing his time in Foxborough with 620 receptions, 6,822 yards and 36 touchdowns in the regular season. Surprisingly, Edelman never earned Pro Bowl honors but has three championship rings, making impact plays in each of those title runs.