As the New England Patriots’ longest-serving offensive player and main receiver, Julian Edelman has a unique perspective on the ongoing quarterback competition to replace his longtime friend Tom Brady.
Edelman is in the process of developing a relationship with Cam Newton, 2019 fourth-round pick Jarrett Stidham and 11-year veteran Brian Hoyer – specifically Newton, who officially joined the team on July 8.
“He’s definitely a former MVP for a reason. The guy is a professional. He works his tail. He’s extremely dynamic and he has a charming personality,” Edelman said of Newton on WEEI sports radio. “It was fun to be there. He has confidence in himself. All of the quarterbacks are confident, but it’s just a little different with Cam. It’s a vibe that can feel and put you in a state of mind.
“It’s also great to see Stid come out and develop his personality and what he’s become. And Hoy is such a smart guy who’s been in the system for so long. It was fun playing with all of them.”
Edelman also noted the presence of undrafted free agent Brian Lewerke, who is a developing quarterback. But her comments about the difference with Newton reflect how the 31-year-old former Carolina Panther quickly established herself as a tone giver in New England – from her dancing and music during warm-ups to her voice in boom in the field of practice.
While coach Bill Belichick evenly distributed the reps between quarterbacks during the first three practices of training camp and kept the option of placing them in the regular season squad, Newton saw an increase in competitive opportunities on Thursday. .
Meanwhile, Stidham was taken to a local hospital on Thursday for precautionary tests on his upper leg which came back negative, a league source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Stidham returned to the squad on Friday morning and underwent training, but with a lighter load than usual.
“I’m pretty sure he’ll be ready to ride the next time we practice,” said Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Edelman, who remains a close friend of Brady’s, previously said: “I love him to death, but the train keeps moving.” The 34-year-old likes the direction the train is taking.
“The competition in this hall has been great. These three guys, and Lewerke, are all working hard. It’s been a great new energy,” Edelman said on WEEI. “It’s something that I never had to deal with, with someone other than the one we used to have. It was fun going to play with other guys. . “
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