New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman has acknowledged that he cannot rest on his laurels or the club will replace him.

The 28-year-old was selected in the seventh round in the 2009 Draft and played sparingly in his first four years with the Patriots, but for the past two seasons he has become an integral part of the club's offense, especially in their Super Bowl triumph over the Seattle Seahawks.

However, Edelman has admitted that he knows all too well that his time with the AFC East outfit could be over quickly if his production declines.

"As long as you're doing your job on the field, you can have fun," Edelman told ESPN. "But if you start slipping, you're going to start hearing s***. Everything is about football with Bill [Belichick].

"I love the guy to death. He's the man who gave me the opportunity. But I know the day I start slipping, the day I'm not producing enough and there is somebody cheaper, I'm gone. That's just coach."

Edelman has recorded 266 receptions for 2,742 yards and 14 touchdowns in his six seasons in the NFL.