Edelman is a solid guy, and he had chances with exactly what Welker had 4 different seasons, but only produced sometimes. He's an injury machine, and not quite as impressive as Welker. People always want to make comparisons and call him a "system guy", and while I'm glad he's gone since he's old for a guy who relies on his speed on a once busted knee, I would take him any day over Amendola and even still Edelman.
You also mention "had vereen been healthy", look at the guys track record. It's the same damn thing as amendola or hell even Edelman, it's a MASSIVE if when you take into account what he's dealt with his entire career. That's like signing Bob Sanders as your only safety. Who was their backup plan? Leon Washington, he really kicked ass for the pats.
I agree that most haven't gone on to do great things (or anything), that's not my point. My point is that they've let them go and failed to replace them.
