The Patriots have only one proven commodity at wide receiver, and based on an NFL Network report they're going to make sure he remains in New England going forward.
According to a tweet from Mike Garafolo, Julian Edelman and the Patriots are finalizing an extension that should keep the wideout in New England for the rest of his career.
Edelman was set to enter the final year of a two-year, $11 million contract with a $5.4 million cap hit for 2019. Edelman, who turns 33 on Wednesday, took MVP honors at Super Bowl LII after catching 10 passes for 141 yards in the win over the Rams.
The previous modest contract seemed to leave him underpaid based on his production and importance to the Patriots offense. In the offseason New England pursued, albeit unsuccessfully, several receivers including Adam Humphries and Cole Beasley before drafting N'Keal Harry in the first round.
Various reports indicated the Patriots were willing to spend close to $10 million per season on the free agents, so it makes sense that the team would be willing to offer a bit more to a proven performer like Edelman.