Related: Patriots release Julian Edelman with failed-physical designation

With a knee injury having bothered him for most of the last two seasons, and now forcing him to miss a physical, Julian Edelman’s career with the New England Patriots is over. The club officially released the 34-year-old on Monday, ending an 11-year run that saw him grow from draft day afterthought to integral member of the Patriots’ offense.

A lot will be said and written about Edelman in the coming days and weeks — especially if he also announces his retirement, as certainly seems possible — but for now let’s do a quick-hit breakdown: What does Edelman’s release man for the Patriots?

One of the greatest stories in Patriots history has ended

Edelman joined the Patriots as the 232nd selection of the 2009 draft after having played quarterback at Kent State. New England, however, had a different role in mind and turned him into a wide receiver and kick returner. The move paid off big time.

While he played a comparatively specialized role during his first four seasons with the club, and made his biggest impact in the kicking game, he developed into Tom Brady’s go-to pass catcher in 2013. With Wes Welker gone and Danny Amendola dealing with an injury, Edelman took over the number one role and never looked back. Over the seasons that followed he played a pivotal role in helping the organization win three Super Bowls — including Super Bowl 53 that saw him take home MVP honors.

Along the way, Edelman was voted to the Patriots’ Team of the 2010s and became the franchise’s playoff receiving leader. Not bad for a former positionless seventh-round draft choice.

The Patriots’ most experienced wide receiver is gone…

While core special teamer Matthew Slater is listed as a wide receiver as well, Julian Edelman was the elder statesman of New England’s wide receiver room until today. He was the most experienced and productive member of the group, as well as a perfect embodiment of what the so-called Patriot Way stands for: Edelman was the prototypical “do your job” wide receiver.

With him gone, a giant void will have to be filled not just on the field but in the locker room as well. Just look at it this way: with Edelman gone and Slater more special teamer than true wideout, 2019 first-round draft pick N’Keal Harry is now the longest tenured member of the position group.

…while the WR1 role is wide open

Since emerging in 2013, Edelman was New England’s best, most consistent and most productive wide receiver. He routinely served as a safety blanket for the Patriots’ quarterbacks — primarily Tom Brady and later Cam Newton — and was as good against man coverage as any skill position player on the team’s roster. Despite not looking like your typical WR1, Edelman was just that.