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Patriots gridiron news: Julian Edelman laments departure of Danny Amendola

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Danny Amendola #80, Chris Hogan #15 and Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots celebrate after defeating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 34-28. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Danny Amendola #80, Chris Hogan #15 and Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots celebrate after defeating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 34-28. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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With mandatory minicamp officially underway, New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman took some time to open up about the departure of good friend Danny Amendola. 

Coming off season-ending ACL surgery, New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman is back in the mix of offensive weapons for quarterback Tom Brady.  One player who won’t be in the mix, however, is good pal Danny Amendola.

The clutch wide receiver, who earned the nickname “Playoff” Amendola, shocked Patriots nation when he signed a two-year deal with the Miami Dolphins on the first day of free agency.

While fans and certainly Edelman is sad to see him in another uniform, the 32-year-old receiver said he understands the nature of the business and will miss his good friend on and off the field.

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"“I mean, that’s the nature of the beast, this business, is guys come and go,” Edelman said following the first day of minicamp, via WEEI.  “You make a lot of relationships that you’ll cherish forever, but it’s sad to see a guy like him go.  But, I mean, that’s in the past now, and now you’re looking forward to molding and getting together with your new teammates.”"

Amendola left the team for more money after taking pay cuts the last couple of seasons. Although his desire was to remain a member of the New England Patriots, he also understood that it is a business and Bill Belichick was in no way going to give him the type of money the Dolphins offered.

During the 2017 season, Danny Amendola made life without Julian Edelman tolerable.  He totaled 61 receptions for 659 yards and came through big in the playoffs, including eight catches for 152 yards in the 41-33 Super Bowl LII loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Getting better everyday

While it is just minicamp, Julian Edelman has looked good on the practice field.  He is not expected to be the same explosive player he was prior to the ACL tear, but any percentage of a healthy Edelman is still a formidable weapon for Tom Brady.

Now 32, Edelman now has to battle age as well as coming back fully strong from the injury.  As he was able to fully participate in team drills, he certainly looks good.

"“I feel like I’m getting a day better than yesterday,” Edelman said."

Of course, Julian Edelman’s greatest motivation to get back on the field was watching from the sidelines all last season.  Seeing the game from a different perspective fuels his competitive nature even more.

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Overall, it won’t be any surprise if Edelman did come back looking like the player he was in 2016.

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