Tom Brady is not the only Patriots free agent set to hit the open market next week.
One of the bigger names is Kyle Van Noy, who is coming off a season where he had a career-high 6.5 sacks. Given his production the last few seasons, he likely will have a number of teams who show interest.
Speaking to NFL Media's Mike Garafolo, Van Noy said he hasn't heard anything from the Patriots yet because they are "waiting for Tom (Brady)."
"It is interesting, but I'm going to be honest, I want to be a priority for a team and I feel I have to go where someone is going to make me a priority," he said. "I'm sure New England knows that. If that opportunity comes, it comes.
"I'll be frank, I don't see myself waiting around. I'm pretty sure those guys aren't going to wait around either. They're really good at their craft. They're at the top of the league at their position so it'll be interesting."
Van Noy is a very versatile player who can do a number of different things. He can rush the passer, but also play a traditional linebacker role. In addition, he's had the green-dot a number of times where he's been the signal caller for the defense.
While he's listed as a linebacker, he's OK with not having a real position. In fact, he seems to embrace it and compared himself to Tyrann Mathieu.
"That's been the main topic for me: What's your position?" Van Noy said. "But like I tell everybody, how good of a football player do you want? Someone who can do it all? I don't want a position. I kind of view myself in the Tyrann Mathieu mold. Obviously, we play different positions but he's a football player. I view myself the same way. I can play on the ball, off the ball, I can drop into coverage, I can rush the passer, I can do every single thing you want."
On top of his 6.5 sacks last season, he recorded 56 tackles, seven for loss, 15 quarterback hits, three passes defensed and recovered two fumbles.
It will be interesting to see what kind of market develops for the 28-year-old, but it would appear at this point he will be signing with another team and leaving New England.
