Julian Edelman, Bill Belichick Rave About 'One-Of-A-Kind' Aqib Talib

FOXBORO, Mass. — Aqib Talib hasn’t played for the New England Patriots since 2013, but he still has plenty friends back in Foxboro.

Both wide receiver Julian Edelman and head coach Bill Belichick sung Talib’s praises Friday ahead of New England’s game against the cornerback’s current team, the Denver Broncos.

“Quite frankly, it’s kind of funny (playing against Talib), because we’ve had such a good relationship here,” Edelman said. “I loved him here as a teammate, and he kind of cracks me up. But he’s competitive, feisty, very instinctive, savvy. And it’s one of those things where you’ve got to go out and you’ve got to do things right, or he’s going to expose you.”

Edelman added: “He’s one of a kind. He’s a good dude, but come Sunday, I know he’s on the other team, so we’re going to have to put our little friendship to the side.”

New England swung a trade to acquire Talib midway through the 2012 season. He played just 22 games in a Patriots uniform before signing a six-year contract with Denver, but it’s clear Belichick still thinks very highly of him.

“He’s a really good player,” Belichick said. “Does everything well. … Put him on anybody. He’s long, he’s fast, he’s quick, he’s got great ball skills, he tackles well, he’s smart. He’s got great football instincts, great defensive instincts. Put him on whoever you want. The guy’s one of the top corners in the game, and he has been for quite a while. He does everything well.”

Talib revitalized his career during his season-and-a-half in New England, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors in 2013. The outspoken defensive back recorded four interceptions and a team-high 14 pass breakups that season, and his injury in the AFC Championship Game helped crush the Pats’ Super Bowl hopes.

“I think he helps any team that he’s on,” Belichick said. “He helps the guys that play against him get better and helps the guys on his side of the ball with the confidence and the communication, effort, attitude and toughness that he plays with. He’s a tremendous football player. He would help any team, I can imagine. He would help any team in a lot of ways.”

The Patriots visit the Broncos on Sunday.