Patriots gridiron news: Dreaming of an Aqib Talib reunion

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 18: Cornerback Aqib Talib
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 18: Cornerback Aqib Talib /
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With the Denver Broncos reportedly on the brink of cutting cornerback Aqib Talib, the New England Patriots have emerged as a potential landing spot.

Let the rumors and wild speculation begin.  Now that the New England Patriots are on to 2018, it’s now time to turn our attention to how the team can improve to win Super Bowl LII.

One area of improvement will be the second cornerback position.  With sequestered cornerback Malcolm Butler as good as gone, the Patriots will be in search of a player who can complement Stephon Gilmore.  Unless the team can swing a wild deal for Richard Sherman, there is no better candidate than former corner back Aqib Talib.

Still at the top of his game, the 32-year-old quarterback is a candidate to be cut by the Denver Broncos.  According to the Denver Post, Talib has a $12 million cap hit and could save John Elway $11 million in cap space.

It may sound crazy, but for a team strong in the secondary, Denver could afford to let Talib go.  Especially if doing so allows for them to lock up a big-time quarterback like Kirk Cousins.

Aqib Talib as a free agent leaves Patriots fans salivating.  Since he already left the Patriots for the big contract, he may be willing to return at a reasonable price.  Given the fact that he left the team on good terms, I don’t see any reason why Bill Belichick wouldn’t show some interest.

With how the team struggled against the pass in the Super Bowl, a Gilmore-Talib combination would make him elite in the secondary.  The only things the team will have to worry about and manage is Talib’s injury issues, temper and off-the-field problems.  Belichick and the Patriots did a good job of managing the latter two when they acquired him in a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in 2012.

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This is a scenario definitely worth keeping an eye on..

Julian Edelman expected back for training camp

On the offensive side of the ball, the Patriots will have one of their top offensive weapons back just in time for training camp.

As reported by Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, Julian Edelman is expected to be ready after missing the entire 2017 season with a torn ACL.  Because he suffered the injury before the start of the season, he will be 11 months removed from surgery by the start of training camp.

While it typically takes players an entire season to truly get back to strength, Edelman will have a head start and its possible he will be the player he was by mid-season.

Danny “great cook” Amendola

New England Patriots veteran wide receiver Danny Amendola is not just good at cooking things up in big games.

According to girlfriend and model Olivia Culpo, Amendola is a great cook in the kitchen.  Featured in this year’s SI Swimsuit issue, Culpo talked Amendola with the following:

"“He’s a very great cook.  I love breakfast.  He’ll make anything I want.  I love it when he makes me omelets.”"

Next: New England Patriots: Fans must stay positive this offseason

Sounds like Danny Amendola has another career option after football.