ORLANDO, Fla. -- The New England Patriots know that Julian Edelman can be a top punt returner, but as he returns from a torn ACL that cost him the 2017 season, they might be wise to consider alternative options with Edelman's preservation in mind.
Cordarrelle Patterson, are you up for the challenge?
The résumé would suggest "no," as Patterson has returned one punt in his five-year NFL career, with one other fair catch. But in describing some of the traits Patterson has that sparked the Patriots' interest in acquiring him from the Raiders in a trade, Belichick mentioned that part of the game, among other things.