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As NFL.com reported it, "After checking the market, Julian Edelman is returning home. ..." Fantasy football owners interested in Tom Brady's fortunes will be pleased to learn the Patriots and the wide receiver agreed to terms on a new contract Saturday.

The fifth-year veteran visited the San Francisco 49ers on Friday, but left with no deal.

The Patriots extended Edelman a contract offer prior to the start of free agency, but the 27-year-old receiver wanted to test his value on the open market.

The news must be music to Brady's ears. Last season, the quarterback had to watch his favorite target, Wes Welker, join Peyton Manning in Denver. Brady's likely was hoping he'd get to keep his toy this time around.

Edelman’s 105 receptions, 1,056 yards and six touchdowns in 2013 exceeded his total production from his first four seasons, and he played 16 games for the first time in his career.

Indeed, Edelman filled a void that high-profile addition Danny Amendola could not, and he's going to generate interest if he chooses to bypass New England's contract offer. ... Stay tuned.

New England hopes second-year receivers Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins make the leap in 2014. However, Edelman will ensure Brady has his security blanket in case that plan falters.

I'll go ahead and remind you that Dobson underwent surgery to repair the stress fracture in his left foot on March 10.

According to Boston Herald staffer Jeff Howe, the early recovery timetable is estimated at 2-3 months, so he'll miss the beginning of the Pats' offseason workout program, which begins April 21. On the early side, Dobson might be ready for organized team activities, but the later recovery timetable would put him in jeopardy of missing the entire offseason program, including June mini-camp.

The Patriots and Dobson hoped rest would heal the foot, which is why they waited so long to have the procedure. His progress will bear watching in coming weeks.