Two Patriots Among Top 100 Free Agents

Originally signed to a one-year, prove-it deal, Chaisson quickly became New England's top edge rusher. With 10.5 total sacks throughout the regular season and playoffs, No. 44 was always around the quarterback en route to a Super Bowl appearance. That season, though, would likely require the Patriots to open up their wallets a little wider come negotiation time.

As for Hawkins, back-to-back one-year deals eventually turned into his best season as a pro. The safety jumped Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger on the depth chart to earn a starting role, picking off opposing quarterbacks at a team-high rate.

Hawkins Was One Of New England's Top Ballhawks

"Hawkins had a career-best four interceptions this past season," Bowen wrote. "He has the range to play from depth or drive downhill versus the run. Hawkins can also play both safety spots, which gives coordinators more flexibility in disguising coverages and rotations."

The safety room isn't as deep as the front seven, meaning that Hawkins might be a more pressing need for the Patriots at this point in time. He formed a quick chemistry with fellow starter (and Cal Bear) Craig Woodson in the secondary, and endeared himself to a defense that was among the league's top units this past year.

While Hawkins' contact might not be as lucrative as Chaisson's, it certainly will still be a large group of teams willing to pay for his services on both defense and special teams.

"Would love to have them all back, but we know that that's not always the case in the National Football League, so we'll see where those conversations go," Vrabel said at the NFL Combine last week.