LINEBACKER

■   Jerod Mayo (2017), Dont’a Hightower (2015), Rob Ninkovich (2013), Brandon Spikes (2013), Mike Rivera (2013). Free agents: Dane Fletcher, Niko Koutouvides, Tracy White.

Ninkovich was a playmaker and should be due for a pay raise, and the Patriots could try to extend Spikes as well. Fletcher, who was a top backup in 2010 and ’11, tore his ACL in the first preseason game this year and seems likely to be back. White is a special-teams ace and also saw spot time on defense; he played this season on a one-year deal.

DEFENSIVE BACK

■   Alfonzo Dennard (2015), Nate Ebner (2015), Tavon Wilson (2015), Devin McCourty (2014), Steve Gregory (2014), Ras-I Dowling (2014), Malcolm Williams (2013). Free agents: Aqib Talib, Kyle Arrington, Patrick Chung, Marquice Cole, Derrick Martin

It already has been asked: Can the Patriots keep both Welker and Talib? They certainly need both. Talib’s importance to the secondary was underscored when he was hurt late in the first quarter against Baltimore. He is the best cornerback New England has had since Asante Samuel, but like Samuel, he could be gone. Though he comes with baggage, Talib may have rehabilitated his image enough during his time with the Patriots that another team will want him long-term.

SPECIALISTS

■   K Stephen Gostkowski (2014), P Zoltan Mesko (2013), LS Danny Aiken (2013).