While there's still a Super Bowl to be played, the Patriots are well into their offseason, with Bill Belichick making a rare appearance at the Senior Bowl and getting a jump on the prospects who might be able to help this fall.
Here are more of the latest offseason updates on all things Patriots.
Edelman has shoulder surgery
Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Julian Edelman had successful shoulder surgery and is expected to be ready in time for the team's offseason program which will begin in mid-April. Edelman fought through a number of injuries this season, including knee and rib issues in addition to the shoulder, and still led the team with 100 catches for 1,117 yards, of the three most productive seasons of his career.
Edelman will turn 34 in May and finding him some help is a critical part of this offseason. In a draft loaded with receivers, the Pats should have an eye out for their next chain-moving slot receiver. Edelman is signed through the 2021 season.
Bielema joins the Giants
Per Ian Rapoport, Patriots defensive line coach Brett Bielema will depart New England and join Joe Judge's staff with the Giants in a to-be-determined role. This is the second year in a row that the Patriots have lost their defensive line coach, with Brendan Daly leaving for Kansas City last offseason. With Adam Butler (RFA) and Danny Shelton (UFA) facing uncertain futures, the position could look much different in 2020 and now the departure of Bielema will be another change.
D-Mac not retiring
Mike Reiss of ESPN reports that pending free agent Devin McCourty won't retire this offseason. McCourty is the toughest decision the Patriots have to make this offseason after Tom Brady. A leader on and off the field, McCourty has been the backbone of three Super Bowl titles. He'll turn 33 in August but tied the second-highest interception total of his career in 2019. While Duron Harmon and Patrick Chung are still under contract, McCourty's presence would be sorely missed. He'll certainly have value on the open market, especially to teams with former Patriots now as head coaches including the Dolphins, Lions and Giants.
Brady in Pats plans
Robert Kraft was spotted by TMZ's cameras in New York City this week and responded that the team "plans to" keep Tom Brady when asked by their reporters. Of course plans are one thing, getting it done is another and Brady's situation is as complicated as they come. Still, it's a positive tidbit from the Patriots owner as the team enters uncharted territory with their franchise quarterback.
