Julian Edelman Cut By Patriots, Expected To Retire

The Patriots have terminated the contract of Julian Edelman, with the move perhaps setting up the retirement of one of the most beloved athletes in New England sports history.

Edelman was unexpectedly on the NFL transaction wire Monday with the designation of a failed physical. ESPN's Mike Reiss said the move could be a technicality that leads to Edelman's expected retirement.

Edelman, 34, missed most of last season with a knee injury that was not expected to get well enough to play a full season on ever again, according to a recent Boston Herald report.

Much like his longtime quarterback and close friend Tom Brady's journey, Edelman's NFL path and career may never be replicated.

The Kent State quarterback was plucked out of the seventh round of the NFL Draft and converted to receiver, a living embodiment of the value and versatility with which Bill Belichick built the most successful major pro sports franchise of the 21st century.

And Edelman was an integral part of that unprecedented success, rising from a situational slot receiver to one of the most unstoppable in league history. Edelman was a key part of three Super Bowl championships in New England, making some of the greatest clutch plays in game's history and winning Super Bowl MVP against the Rams.

If this is the end, Edelman snagged 620 catches for 6,882 yards and 36 touchdowns in 137 career regular-season games, adding 118 catches for 1,442 yards and five more touchdowns in the playoffs.

Edelman's retirement comes two months after Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia retired due to chronic knee troubles.