NFL Free Agency: Patriots Have 18 Unrestricted Free Agents

We'll lead off our free agency coverage by quickly taking a look at the pending free agents that the New England Patriots have heading into the offseason. In total, the Patriots have 18 unrestricted free agents heading into the offseason. In alphabetical order:

Will Allen, DB
Kyle Arrington, CB
Josh Barrett, S
Deion Branch, WR
Patrick Chung, S
Marquice Cole, CB/ST
Julian Edelman, WR/KR
Niko Koutouvides, LB
Derrick Martin, DB/ST
Jamey Richard, C/G
Trevor Scott, DE
Donte' Stallworth, WR
Aqib Talib, CB
Donald Thomas, G
Sebastian Vollmer, RT
Wes Welker, WR
Tracy White, LB/ST
Danny Woodhead, RB

There are some fairly significant names on that list, and it wouldn't be the least bit surprising to see some fairly significant turnover on the Patriots roster this offseason. In addition to the above unrestricted free agents, the Patriots also have the following two restricted free agents:

Dane Fletcher, LB
Michael Hoomanawanui, TE

Both restricted free agents will likely be tendered, but it's anyone's guess at what level. Hoomanawanui was drafted in the fifth round, so he could be tendered at that level and would likely be safe. Dane Fletcher, however, went undrafted. Should the Patriots opt to tender him at the lowest level, they could risk losing him without getting anything in return.

Finally, the Patriots also have Jake Ballard, who is an exclusive rights free agent. Barring something completely unforeseen, that means he will be back with the team in 2013.

Of course, we'll break down each of the Patriots' upcoming free agents over the next three weeks. For now, feel free to discuss what you think about the upcoming free agent class, and who you think the Patriots need to re-sign!