The New England Patriots have reportedly offered Julian Edelman a 3 year deal, according to Ian Rapoport. They are hoping to receive an answer by 4 PM today when Free Agency officially starts:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Patriots&src=hash">#Patriots</a> offered WR Julian Edelman a three-year deal, per source. Would like an answer by the start of free agency. They want to keep him</p>— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/statuses/443398396766740480">March 11, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Edelman has been something of a controversial figure around here, as many don't want to see the team lock up too much money in Edelman and Danny Amendola, as both are slot receivers with similar skillsets. And to a degree, that opinion makes sense. However, Edelman proved his worth (and durability?) last season, and a 3 year deal means that the team clearly wants him. The real question is whether they offered him enough money or if he intends to test his value on the market.
Since we don't know what the offer is (and won't until later on), all we can do is assume that New England has done what they always do: offer Edelman what they think he's worth, tell him to take it or leave it, and move forward from there. The most interesting part of the news, in my opinion, is that they are looking for an answer before Free Agency officially kicks off. Trying for a preemptive strike, perhaps? Either way, we'll know in a few hours.