Vince Wilfork says the Patriots won't pick up his option

Could be the best defensive free agent to hit market since Reggie White in 1993. A disruptive force rushing the passer and stuffing the run. Must be accounted for on every snap. Has started every game in his career (suspended for two).

Settled the Patriots’ troubled secondary when he switched from cornerback to free safety in middle of 2012 season. Fast, smart, unselfish and durable, McCourty is rock-solid in middle of field. Can also cover top TEs when needed.

Dynamic offensive talent who can make plays lined up at any spot, and on special teams. Durability is knock (he missed 10 games with a broken leg in 2010), but he’s played at least 15 games in three of his four seasons.

When he’s on the field and healthy, Thomas is among the toughest matchups at the position, especially in the red zone (24 TDs in 27 games over the past two seasons). But he hasn’t yet proven to be durable, and that’s a concern.

Has been to two Super Bowls starting opposite Richard Sherman, so Maxwell sees a lot of action and produced 24 passes defensed and six interceptions over the past two seasons. A long and physical player at 6-1, 207 pounds, he’ll fit some schemes but not all.

Busted out of Indianapolis after producing just five sacks in three seasons as a first-round pick, but revived career with 10 sacks in two seasons with Bills (one year as a full-time starter). Some will point to his great surrounding cast and doubt his potential.

Produced 15.5 sacks the past two seasons, but his athletic talent shows he is capable of more. Frustrating that he hasn’t been more dominating, but some teams out there will think they can unlock his potential greatness.

Had to sit behind Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil for two years in Baltimore but has shown flashes of productivity and positional versatility. Low mileage and still young.

Came back from knee surgery to put up career highs for catches (85), yards (1,318) and touchdowns (10). Some teams will point to Eagles’ system and wonder if Maclin deserves to be paid as a No. 1 receiver.

Mammoth (6-5, 331 pounds) and powerful left guard who has gone to three straight Pro Bowls. Can dominate in the running game, but his occasional woes in pass protection have kept him from being the annual All-Pro most envisioned. Has dealt with variety of injuries.

Can be a dominating tackle in both run and pass game. Some teams thought he had left tackle potential in the 2010 draft. Finished two seasons on injured reserve, and dealt with knee injury and a concussion last season.

Powerful and talented interior force who can rush passer and stop the run when he wants to—or is on the field (has missed 16 games in his four seasons). No question about potential. Can someone unlock it?

Teams always look for top-tier cornerbacks, and Flowers showed he can be that after a strong season with Chargers on one-year deal. Some might be scared off because he was released by Chiefs, and he’s small at 5-10, but Flowers can play.

Deftly made switch to 3-4 OLB and showed versatility, so he’ll appeal to 3-4 and 4-3 teams. Consistent, with at least six sacks in each of past three seasons.

Reigning rushing champion with 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns, to go with the 1,121 and nine he put up in 2013. Hard runner with good vision, and very good receiver out of the backfield. Injury woes dominated first two seasons, and he can put the ball on the ground.

Ferocious pass rusher who had 26 sacks over ’12 and ’13 seasons. Plays the run just as well. After high-profile domestic violence case, teams will tread carefully and likely won’t guarantee much of his contract.

Hasn’t finished two of the past three seasons, but is among most consistent and productive pass rushers in league when healthy.

Not yet elite, but on his way. Rock-solid run- and pass-blocking. Not a well-known name, but Chiefs’ rivals know his value and may come knocking, along with many others.

Among leaders in pass-rushing productivity the past three seasons, according to Pro Football Focus. Few players make more of their snaps than Graham. Has 4-3 and 3-4 appeal, which should open up his market.

Constantly a disruptive force as both a 3-4 DE and 4-3 DT at 6-5 and 304 pounds. Can get after the passer and stand up blockers against the run. Much more impactful than his sack numbers (just one in ’14) would indicate.

An aggressive cornerback who can be boom or bust, Skrine isn’t afraid of competition (he held off first-round pick Justin Gilbert last season). Performed well in a defense that puts pressure on its cornerbacks. Better player than people think.

One of better deep threats in league, but has some limits as a short and intermediate receiver, and can drop some easy passes. Will appeal to vertical teams.

A first-round pick in 2010, Jackson got off to a very slow start, but he’s rebounded to become a good outside cornerback with a nose for the ball. A little small, so won’t fit all schemes.

A very talented player with good size (6-1, 195 pounds), House has produced when healthy, but he’s missed 10 games over past three seasons with unlucky injuries. Somebody is going to see the potential and take the leap.

A multi-dimensional athlete who can line up anywhere from fullback to receiver and cause problems for a defense. Averaged 63.5 catches the past two seasons. An emerging talent.