Commentary

Patriots FAs: Take 'em or Leave 'em?

Early look at looming decisions on the team's top 10 soon-to-be free agents

Updated: January 22, 2015, 4:57 PM ET

By Field Yates | ESPNBoston.com

With less than two months until free agency begins, you can bet the Patriots' front office is hard at work evaluating its current roster and building the team for next season. There are 18 players from the 2012 Patriots that will hit free agency in March.

We've selected the top 10 and made calls on whether the Patriots should sign them or let them walk. Here's my take on each one, and we invite you to share your opinion as well in the polls below. Take into consideration the contract -- both in duration and compensation -- it would take to bring each player back as you cast your votes.

Wes Welker

Position: WR
Yates: 672 catches in six seasons. Enough said. Sign him.

Aqib Talib

Position: CB
Yates: Proved his value during a short stint. Sign him.

S. Vollmer

Position: T
Yates: A critical cog along the offensive line. Sign him.

D. Woodhead

Position: RB
Yates: The most well-rounded Pats running back in 2012.
Sign him.

Deion Branch

Position: WR
Yates: Reliable, dependable, and a locker room leader.
Sign him.

Julian Edelman

Position: WR
Yates: Was hitting his stride before a season-ending injury.
Sign him.

Kyle Arrington

Position: CB
Yates: Struggled in 2012, Pats can build CB depth elsewhere. Let him go.

Patrick Chung

Position: S
Yates: Reserve duties in playoffs. A coverage liability.
Let him go.

Trevor Scott

Position: DE
Yates: A low-priced veteran with pass rush/special teams value. Sign him.

Tracy White

Position: LB
Yates: A core special teamer. Sign him.

Field Yates

ESPN NFL Insider

Field Yates is a fantasy football expert and NFL draft analyst for ESPN. You can find him on Fantasy Football Now on Sunday mornings and regularly on NFL Live throughout the week, as well as the Fantasy Focus and First Draft podcasts. A graduate of Wesleyan University (CT) and native of Weston, Mass., Yates has previous experience interning with the New England Patriots on both their coaching and scouting staffs.