Patriots news & rumors: Julian Edelman missed; Julio Jones out of reach

When New England Patriots fans return to Gillette Stadium, there will be one noticeable thing missing.  That man known as Julian Edelman will not be blazing onto the field pumping his fists at the crowd.

Beyond that once constant prior to each home game, the team will be missing a leader, a former Super Bowl MVP and one of the toughest players in franchise history.

In defining the Patriot Way during his tenure with the Patriots, the now retired receiver will be hard to replace both on the field and in the locker room.  No one will miss him more than wide receivers coach Mick Lombardi, who will have to coach a group of receivers trying to fill that void left by a professional like Edelman.

"“A guy like Julian whose mental toughness obviously is unmatched – guys who have been in the receiver room here, he’s definitely the poster child for what this place is and what it’s about in terms of work ethic, mental toughness, putting the team first,” Lombardi said Tuesday during a Zoom call, as transcribed by WEEI.  “His presence won’t only be missed in the receiver room but in this building on every single day.  He really is – he defines the Patriot Way.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"

As a knee injury really forced Julian Edelman into retirement following a 2020 NFL season in which he missed the last 10 games, the Patriots are now challenged to move forward without a legend.

Unlike Tom Brady, however, the Patriots appear to have a plan at the wide receiver position.  Not only did they sign veteran receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, but Edelman’s absence also last season propelled Jakobi Meyers into the spotlight as a player who can do some of the things Edelman can do.

Leading the team with 59 catches for 729 yards, Lombardi feels confident the progression of Meyers will continue and that the team will eventually be fine without Julian Edelman.

Finding a No. 1 receiver would certainly help with that process.

NFL rumors: New England Patriots not that aggressive in pursuit of Julio Jones

As long as the Atlanta Falcons have yet to trade veteran wide receiver Julio Jones, the New England Patriots cannot be ruled out on acquiring the future Hall-of-Fame wide receiver.

However, Patriots fans should prepare themselves for disappointment according to the latest rumors regarding Jones.

According to Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal, the team hasn’t been strong in pursuit of Jones with the main reason being the high asking price of the Falcons.

"“As far as I know, my latest intel on this that the Patriots are not in the ballgame right now where the Falcons are talking as far as compensation,” Beard said during his latest podcast, via NESN.  “They’re asking a lot.”"

With teams like the Tennessee Titans, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers also in the mix, the Patriots are doing their due diligence in monitoring the situation, but don’t appear too aggressive in their approach.

That could change the longer Julio Jones is on the market.  You never know when Bill Belichick will turn on that aggressive button and go out and get the missing piece to his offense, especially if it means helping Cam Newton or even rookie Mac Jones even more.

Stay tuned.