The Facts: Following up on a previous item. ... Edelman was unable to reach a deal Tuesday with the New England Patriots and will test free agency, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Diehards Line: This marks the second straight season that Edelman will become an unrestricted free agent. This time around, however, the receiver has more leverage following a 105-catch season that included 1,056 receiving yards and six touchdowns.Edelman re-signed with the Patriots last offseason, taking a one-year deal worth a shade over $1 million if he reached all incentives -- which he did. Only the Patriots and New York Giants pursued him last year, in part because of his injury history. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Patriots might consider Bengals WR Andrew Hawkins as a possible fallback if Edelman moves on.