Julian Edelman explains why he nearly left Patriots in 2013

Former Patriots receiver Julian Edelman pulled no punches when discussing the series of events that nearly led him to the New York Giants in 2013 during the premiere of “Julian Edelman: A Football Life,” Friday night on NFL Network.

“I was like, ‘F--- (Bill) Belichick, f--- the Patriots; I hate everyone here. How are you going to do this to me?’” Edelman recalled New England signing receiver Danny Amendola to a five-year, $28.5 million contract in 2013. “I took a visit to the New York Giants, and they offered me a contract.”

At the time, Edelman was the incumbent No. 1 wideout in a watered-down receiver group that included Aaron Dobson, Kenbrell Thompkins, Josh Boyce and Austin Collie.

Amendola, who was coming off a 63-reception, 666-yard season with the then-St. Louis Rams, was New England’s backup plan after letting Wes Welker join the Denver Broncos via free agency.

Edelman, of course, did not sign with the Giants but instead chose to return to the Patriots on a one-year deal.

“I was hurt,” Edelman said. “I did everything coach (Belichick) said, gave four years of my life, and then (the Patriots signed Amendola). I’m not going to lie, I was p-ssed off. I was like, ‘Dude, you’re coming to take my keys to the Cadillac? Dog, what’s going on? I’m over here on a minimum deal. This guy’s getting [$28.5 million]?”

Edelman had the far better 2013 season, totaling 105 receptions, 1,056 yards and six touchdowns to Amendola’s 54 catches, 633 yards and two scores.

Amendola spent five seasons in New England, never recording more than 65 receptions or 659 receiving yards. Conversely, Edelman had three seasons with 90 or more receptions and two 1,000-yard seasons over that span. Although, he missed the 2017 season due to a torn ACL.