Jules
Hvala legendi
the organization releasing him has now made Edelman eligible for the NFL’s injury protection benefit. He is fulfilling all of the criteria laid out in the Collective Bargaining Agreement to qualify for said benefit: Edelman was deemed physically unable before his release, has undergone club-mandated rehabilitation during the offseason, and failed his physical with the team.
The injury protection benefit will pay him $2 million come September. Of that sum $1.2 million will count against New England’s salary cap for the 2021 season, with the other $800,000 coming his way in the form of a benefit payment that will not hit the Patriots’ books.
Given that Edelman’s contractual career earnings alone are estimated at $41.2 million this number does not make too big a difference. However, it is still a nice parting gift and one that explains why the team opted to release one of its legendary players before he made his retirement from pro football official.