Which members of the Patriots could leave in free agency?

The 2019 New England Patriots season is over. Now it’s time to start looking ahead to 2020.

Most of the team’s core is likely to return intact: Julian Edelman, James White, Stephon Gilmore, to name a few. However, the Patriots have a number of key players who are set to become free agents this offseason, most important of which is Tom Brady.

Will the Patriots bring back their future Hall of Fame quarterback? What about their long-time defensive captain, Devin McCourty, or linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins? It won’t be cheap to bring big-name players back, and the team only has so much cap space.

So who could leave this offseason? Here’s a rundown of each major Patriots player set to become an unrestricted free agent, along with their current age.

QUARTERBACKS

Tom Brady (42): Would the Patriots truly let Brady leave after two decades of brilliance with the organization? As things stand, Brady’s contract is set to void at the start of the new league year in March, the result of a restructuring of his contract last year.

Brady is going to be 43 at the start of the 2020 season, at which point he’d likely be the NFL’s oldest active player – and one of the oldest quarterbacks to ever suit up. However, Brady said after Saturday’s game that it’s “pretty unlikely” that he’d retire.

Brady statistics dropped off this season, running an offense that was bereft of proven talent. His ability to play at an advanced age is one of the NFL’s greatest marvels. But can he keep it up? The Patriots will have to answer that question and figure out how much they’re willing to pay him.

If they don’t, there are plenty of other NFL teams that would be interested in one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

RUNNING BACKS

All five running backs on the roster are signed through 2020, but the Patriots will have some decisions to make after next season. James White, Rex Burkhead and Brandon Bolden will all be playing in a contract year in 2020.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Most of the Patriots’ receivers are signed long-term, including trade acquisition Mohamed Sanu, who is signed through 2020.

Phillip Dorsett (26): Dorsett returned to the Patriots on a sort of one-year “prove it” deal. He impressed early on, but fell off toward the end of the season in favor of other options. He finished third on the team with 29 catches for 397 yards.

His value in free agency and outlook with the Patriots is unclear. With that said, Dorsett is still young and can still improve.

TIGHT ENDS

Ben Watson (39): Watson came out of retirement this season to return to the Patriots. All signs point to him retiring once again.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Left guard Joe Thuney (27): An absolute rock on the left side of the Patriots’ offensive line, Thuney is set for a major payday in free agency. New England shelled out a big-time deal for Shaq Mason at right guard. We’ll see if they’re willing to give out a similar payday to Thuney, who was named a second-team All-Pro this year. If they don’t, he’ll likely land elsewhere.

CENTER TED KARRAS (26): Karras was a top reserve before stepping in for David Andrews at center. He performed well, considering the sudden transition. Andrews should be back in 2020, leaving Karras’ fit in New England uncertain. They certainly could bring him back as a lower-cost option at left guard after Thuney leaves. He could also get a solid payday as a starter elsewhere.

Tackle Marshall Newhouse (31): Newhouse was the Patriots’ fill-in at left tackle while Isaiah Wynn was out, producing sporadic results. He could return, but likely as a veteran backup.

Jermaine Eluemunor (25): A midseason signing as a reserve lineman, Eluemunor could return as a backup in 2020 for potential development down the road.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Tackle Danny Shelton (26): It was a little bit of a surprise to see Shelton come back last offseason. However, it wound up panning out. The nose tackle came back with an improved season and likely earned himself a long-term payday this winter. He’s still young and is the team’s only true nose tackle. If the Patriots truly value him, they could give him a big payday. If not, he likely lands elsewhere.

Tackle Adam Butler (25): Butler has come all the way from an undrafted free agent to a key part of the defensive line rotation. Right now, he has solid value for the team as an interior pass rusher. At the right price, he’d be a great fit to return. However, if another team deems him worth a starter-level contract, he could leave this offseason.

End Keionta Davis (25): Davis has bounced on and off the roster during his time in New England. He’s currently on injured reserve and could return as a developmental player.

LINEBACKERS

Jamie Collins (30): The Patriots signed Collins on the cheap this past season after he flamed out in Cleveland. He responded with a monster season, bouncing back to his Pro Bowl-level form. Now, he’ll be due for one more starter-level contract as he enters his 30s. Could he be like Patrick Chung and stick around for a second run in New England, or could he get a payday elsewhere? It’s certainly likely that another team shells out for him.

Kyle Van Noy (28): Since he was stolen from the Lions via trade, Van Noy has developed into one of the team’s most valuable defenders. He’s said that he wants to stay in New England, but admitted that he wants to get paid. If the team is going to pony up big bucks for anyone, it could be him.

Elandon Roberts (25): Roberts is a complete wild card when it comes to free agency. He’s not exactly a starter, but he is a captain. It’s highly likely that the Patriots bring him back on a mid-level deal. He’s likely worth more to New England than to outside teams.

Shilique Calhoun (27): One of the more underrated contributors on defense this year, Calhoun played 26 percent of defensive snaps and 52 percent of special teams snaps. He could come back as a rotational player. But if another team thinks he has a high ceiling, New England could be outbid.

CORNERBACKS

With the Patriots signing Jonathan Jones to an extension this year, the team is set up for long-term success in the secondary.

SAFETIES

Devin McCourty (32): McCourty has long been one of the Patriots’ highest-paid players. He’s a long-time captain and underrated defender. After Saturday’s game, he said that he’s likely to come back to play in 2020. He’s a valuable part of the defense, but at his age, it’s hard to put a pin on what sort of contract he could get. The Patriots will certainly try to bring him back, but keep an eye on his price tag.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Matthew Slater (34): Slater previously tested free agency a couple years ago before returning to New England. At age 34, he’s getting toward the end of his career, but remains a key special teamer. It’s likely he plays out his career with the Patriots at this point. It’d be a surprise if this didn’t get worked out.

Justin Bethel (29): Bethel was a great addition to the special teams units this year, pairing with Slater. Now that he’s here and showed his value, it’s hard to imagine Belichick lets him go. He would certainly draw attention from other teams, but the Patriots have a high value on special teams. Expect them to make a hard push to bring him back.

Nate Ebner (31): Ebner has stuck around for a while as a key special teamer. He doesn’t get as much praise as Slater, but is still key. The Patriots re-signed him last time around with little issue. It’d be a surprise to see anything different this time.

Kicker Nick Folk (35): Folk performed admirably as a midseason fill-in. However, Stephen Gostkowski (35) is still on this roster. If the Patriots are going with one veteran kicker, it probably won’t be Folk.

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