Gresh & Zo: Signing Edelman Would Give Patriots Flexibility And Opportunity For 'Luxury Draft Picks'
BOSTON (CBS) - With rumors swirling that the Patriots are in negotiations with popular wideout Julian Edelman, Andy Gresh and Scott Zolak addressed what re-signing him would mean for the team moving forward. They dubbed it, "the trickle down effect."
Looking toward the NFL draft, the guys believe that this would enable them to draft a tight end, and then spend the rest of their picks on the best players available, rather than areas of need. Gresh suggested that they could spend a mid-round pick on a quarterback if they wanted, as they'd have flexibility with the wide receiver position solidified.
A tight end would obviously be their No. 1 priority on offense, but the offensive line could also be addressed. There has been a lot of chatter this offseason about bringing in a new guard or a center, but Gresh was quick to point out that the team needs to address the tackle position moving forward. He cautioned that fans are quick to be near-sighted when it comes to free agency, and that GMs have to look at the big picture.
This is a tackle-heavy draft class, and Nate Solder is a free agent after this season. There are a lot of questions surrounding Solder's market moving forward, and Zo was quick to ask, "Is he a top shelf tackle? Is he going to start 16 games a season? It it proven that under duress he can play well? ... Those guys are compensated pretty damn well dude, look at the market. "
Gresh suggested that the team would offer a deal for five years that would pay between $35 million and $40 million, but he's not sure Solder would take it if they make a deep run and he stays healthy. Guys like Jason Peters and Gosder Cherilus are making that money, and Solder is a better tackle.
Sebastian Vollmer is also a question mark on the offensive line, given his chronic back issues and leg which was snapped this season. Even with Marcus Cannon on the roster, Gresh and Zo believe resigning Edelman gives the Patriots the luxury to spend a draft pick on a tackle.
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