Longtime Patriots WR, former Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman retires

Update: Julian Edelman retires

Shortly after the New England Patriots announced his release, Julian Edelman announced his retirement from the NFL

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The New England Patriots terminated the contract of wide receiver Julian Edelman on Monday, citing a failed physical. The team announced the news on its transaction wire according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Edelman, 34, has played his entire 11-season career with the Patriots, winning three Super Bowls. He was named Super Bowl LIII MVP after catching 10 passes for 141 yards in New England's 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams in 2019.

For his career, Edelman has tallied 620 catches for 6,822 yards and 36 touchdowns. He's also rushed for 413 yards and a touchdown. He was a favorite target of Tom Brady before Brady left in free agency for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season.

Will Edelman retire, follow Brady to Bucs?

ESPN's Patriots reporter Mike Reiss reports that Edelman has been contemplating retirement, but it's not clear if Monday's transaction is a precursor to that decision. Edelman was limited to six games last season after undergoing knee surgery to address a chronic ailment. He tallied 21 catches for 315 yards without a touchdown in the first season of the post-Brady era in New England.

Bucs already have a stable of offensive weapons

If Edelman isn't retiring, could he follow Brady to Tampa Bay? The Bucs feature a pair of Pro Bowlers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in addition to Scotty Miller at wide receiver. They have reportedly been in talks to retain free agent wide receiver Antonio Brown, but negotiations have hit a stalemate, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

The Bucs also feature tight ends Rob Gronkowski, Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard and reportedly signed pass-catching former Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovanni Bernard on Monday. Bernard joins a backfield already featuring Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones.

There are no indications that the Bucs have any interest in signing Edelman.

Regardless of Edelman's future football plans, his release by the rebuilding Patriots is the latest sign of the end of an era in New England.

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