New England Patriots wideout Julian Edelman has not set foot on a football field in a game that counted since the team pulled off the most improbable comeback in Super Bowl history over the Atlanta Falcons in February of 2017.
After all the events that transpired since then, that victory felt like ages ago. Edelman’s recent PED violation will delay his comeback at least a month once the 2018 regular season begins. For New England, who already let Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola go this offseason, they are desperately counting on No. 11’s return.
Julian knows that, and his first official statement since the news was announced of his violation speaks volumes of his disappointment.
From Julian Edelman’s Instagram story. pic.twitter.com/VDCuqHf8r6
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 8, 2018
The 32-year-old receiver is planning to appeal the decision, but the NFL has been very stern on PED violations in the past, so the chances of him getting the sentence eliminated or reduced are slim.
Of course, the consequence of Edelman’s absence will certainly have bearing on the team’s record, but his salary will also take a significant hit as a result.
If Julian Edelman's 4 game PED suspension stands. He is out $987,745. In addition to losing $470,588 of base salary, Edelman won't earn 4 games worth of per game roster bonuses ($125,000) & $392,157 of signing bonus will be recouped. Recoupment is mandatory with drug suspensions.
— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) June 7, 2018
Head coach Bill Belichick is slated to start Week 1 with Rob Gronkowski, Jordan Matthews, Cordarrelle Patterson, Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, Kenny Britt and Phillip Dorsett in the passing game.
Someone will need to step up big time.
