Wide receiver Julian Edelman will re-sign with the New England Patriots on Wednesday, according to a report from Mike Garafolo of USA Today.
Edelman, who was an unrestricted free agent this offseason, will sign a one-year deal. The 26-year-old visited the New York Giants, but ultimately decided on a return to New England. Edelman flashed potential during his first four seasons with the Pats, but injuries have limited his productivity. He caught 21 passes for 235 yards last season and has 69 receptions and 714 receiving yards in his career.
Even with Edelman returning, the Patriots' wide receiver group has undergone significant change this offseason. Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd and Deion Branch are gone. In their place, New England signed free agents Danny Amendola, Donald Jones and Michael Jenkins. The Patriots also signed wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders to a restricted free agent offer sheet on Wednesday. If the Steelers choose not to match the offer sheet, Sanders would also join the Patriots' wide receiver group.
Edelman played mostly in the slot last season. Even with the other additions, he could see his role expand next season with Welker no longer Tom Brady's No. 1 slot target.
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