With 12 of their own becoming free agents (11 unrestricted, one restricted), Bill Belichick and his staff have some tough decisions to make this off-season. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
WR Julian Edelman
After a breakout season in 2013, Julian Edelman is about to become a hot commodity on the open market. Taking over for the departed Wes Welker, Edelman was Tom Brady's favorite target and led the Patriots with 105 receptions, 1,056 yards and six touchdowns. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
CB Aqib Talib
On the defensive side, corner Aqib Talib will hit the open market again. There is a chance the Patriots will franchise the corner for the second straight year, or work out a multi-year deal with plenty of roster bonuses built in.
Talib had four interceptions in 13 regular season games, but for the second straight season was unable to finish the AFC Championship game due to injury. Once Talib went down against the Denver Broncos, the Patriots couldn't stop Peyton Manning, showing just how important Talib is to the New England defense. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
RB LeGarrette Blount
Blount has said he would like to return to the Patriots, calling Bill Belichick one of the best coaches ever in the NFL, after getting his first taste of playoff football in 2013.
Blount was big for the Patriots down the stretch, and finished the season with 772 yards and seven touchdowns. He scored four touchdowns in the AFC Divisional game against the Colts, but rushed for just six yards in the AFC Championship loss in Denver. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
LB Brandon Spikes
Spikes played through a leg injury for most of the season but still tallied 89 total tackles in 16 games. But he was placed on IR for the playoffs, and reports came out that the Patriots did so because Spikes missed practice. Chances are the linebacker will not be back next season. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
TE Michael Hoomanawanui
Hooman became the Patriots' number-one tight end when Rob Gronkowski started the season on the PUP list, and again when Gronk went down in Week 14. He caught just 12 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown during the regular season, and added three more for 39 yards in the playoffs (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
TE Matthew Mulligan
The only other tight end on the Patriots roster for most of the season was Matthew Mulligan, who had two different stints with the team. He caught two passes for 16 yards and a touchdown, but the Maine alum is probably best known for getting a WWE Title belt for the Patriots locker room for the playoffs -- getting a few shout outs from Hulk Hogan in the proccess.
(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
C Ryan Wendell
Center Ryan Wendell had a solid season snapping the ball to Tom Brady, and making sure the quarterback stayed upright.
Offensive tackle Will Svitek is also a free agent (not pictured).
(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
DE Andre Carter
The 34-year-old Carter was brought in after injuries ended the seasons of Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly. He recorded two sacks in nine games for the Patriots, and would like to continue his NFL career in 2014. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
LB Dane Fletcher
Fletcher helped fill the void when Spikes went on IR, and totaled 26 tackles in 15 regular season games and another six in New England's two playoff games. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
WR Austin Collie
The veteran receiver was signed by the Patriots four times during the 2013 season, catching six passes for 63 yards during the regular season and another five for 73 yards in the playoffs. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
LS Danny Aiken (Restricted)
Veteran long snapper Danny Aiken is the Patriots lone restricted free agent. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)