Julian Edelman's appeal of his four-game drug suspension will be heard Monday.

The New England Patriots wide receiver plans to mount a vigorous defense that questions the NFL's handling of his case, according to sources.

Edelman missed the entire 2017 season after tearing an ACL during the preseason.

Eric Decker remains a free agent and has interest in joining the New England Patriots.

"I think the Patriots would be a good fit and being drafted by Josh McDaniels in Denver. I talked with New England last year during the free-agency process in June. That is always an option that I would definitely love to entertain," Decker said, according to SiriusXM NFL Radio.

Decker spent the 2017 season with the Tennessee Titans.

Tom Brady said he's still motivated to keep playing but acknowledged that retirement is nearing for him.

"I think about it more now than I used to. I think I'm seeing that there's definitely an end coming, sooner rather than later," said Brady.

Brady, who is coming off a regular season MVP, was asked if that would be at 43 or 45 years old.

"As long as I'm still loving it. As long as I'm loving the training and preparation and willing to make the commitment. But it's also (that) I think what I've alluded to a lot in the ["Tom vs. Time"] docuseries was there's other things happening in my life too. I do have [three] kids that I love, and I don't want to be a dad that's not there driving my kids to their games. I think my kids have brought a great perspective in my life, because kids just want the attention. You better be there and be available to them, or else they're going to look back on their life and go, 'Dad didn't really care that much.'"

Brady was asked if "something going on with you and [coach Bill] Belichick?"

He responded, "Umm, no. I mean, I love him. I love that he's an incredible coach, mentor for me. And he's pushed me in a lot of ways. Like everything, we don't agree on absolutely everything. But that's relationships."

The New England Patriots shopped Rob Gronkowski three days before the 2018 NFL Draft.

Gronkowski only declared he would play in 2018 two days before the draft.

A recent report indicated that Tom Brady threatened to retire if the Patriots traded Gronkowski and Robert Kraft vetoed the concept.

The Patriots reportedly had interest in trading up for Baker Mayfield.

Bill Belichick brought in Kobe Bryant to speak to the New England Patriots just after Memorial Day.

Bryant spoke to the Patriots about the importance of training, studying other players and his ability to play for two decades in the NBA.

Several Patriots quickly made the connection between Bryant and Tom Brady.

“A hundred percent,” said fifth-year safety Duron Harmon. “When he was telling us about his training regimen, how he approached a day, a light bulb went off in my head: That’s Tom. You realize it’s no coincidence. That’s the reason why Kobe Bryant is Kobe Bryant. That’s the reason why Tom Brady is Tom Brady. [Brady’s] approach to the game, it’s totally different than the majority of the NFL, probably 99% of the NFL. And that’s why they have the success they have.”

Belichick's methods have been questioned over the past few months and bringing in Bryant was likely an attempt to show an example of a similarly dedicated competitor from another sport.

Julian Edelman's positive test for performance enhancing drugs was triggered by a substance that wasn't immediately recognizable.

Scientists are reportedly still analyzing the substance.

In the offseason, positive tests for stimulants fall under the substances of abuse rather than the PED policy.

Julian Edelman has received a four-game suspension for performance enhancing drugs.

The suspension is currently under appeal.

Edelman missed the entire 2017 season after suffering a torn ACL in the preseason.

Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski were in attendance for the Patriots' first mandatory work of the offseason on Tuesday.

Bill Belichick's relationship with both players have been speculated about over the past few months.

“I’ve always had a good relationship with Tom,” Belichick said.

Belichick was also asked if he had any concerns about the two players being “all in” for the 2018 season. He said it’s “always been that way ever since they’ve been on the team” while again directing questions about the players’ feelings to the players themselves.

Rob Gronkowski has confirmed he'll attend the New England Patriots' mandatory minicamp this week after skipping the team's voluntary organized team activities this offseason.

"We've got mandatory minicamp this week. So I'll be there this week. I'll be full go. I'm looking forward to it. Can't wait to get back to work. I'm excited," Gronkowski said.

Gronkowski told Bill Belichick in April that he would play for the Patriots this season.

Tom Brady, who also hadn't attended the Patriots' OTAs, also is expected to be at this week's minicamp, Robert Kraft has said.