New England Patriots Free Agency: 6 2011 Free Agents They Must Re-Sign

As it appears more likely that the lockout will be resolved in time for a full 2011 NFL season, the prospect of free agency has begun to creep into the forefront. Albert Breer's recent Twitter update indicates that the players and owners are doing everything they can as we speak.

Regardless of the outcome, it's hard to deny that the Patriots have set themselves up quite beautifully for the lockout, without too many free agents to worry about and without the concern of relying on rookies next year.

To make sure they don't have to rely on too many rookies, though, they'll have to re-sign some of those free agents. Here are a few of the most important Patriots up for a new contract that the team must re-sign.

Erik Frenz is the co-host of the PatsPropaganda and Frenz podcast. Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikFrenz.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

It's hard to believe that New England's bellcow in the offensive backfield could be on to different (maybe not greener) pastures in 2011.

After becoming the first Patriots running back to cross the 1,000 yard plateau in over six years, it seemed the hope of New England's backfield rested in the young, sure hands of Green-Ellis (who has still yet to cough up a single fumble). Now, with two rookie backs added to the team in the first three rounds of the draft, Green-Ellis may have become expendable.

As a restricted free agent, the Patriots have first crack at re-signing Green-Ellis regardless of the outcome of the labor strife. Chances are slim that Green-Ellis will be wearing any helmet besides a flying Elvis in 2011.

Kyle Arrington

Despite running a 3-4 where the outside linebackers are the key cogs to the defense, Bill Belichick seems to value cornerbacks most of all. It's hard to argue against that claim, especially since the Patriots have drafted a defensive back in the first two rounds of the past five drafts.

Luckily, the Patriots don't have to worry much about Arrington. His status as an exclusive rights free agent almost guarantees he'll be wearing a Patriots uniform again in 2011.

Gerard Warren

The Patriots got a pleasant surprise when Gerard Warren stepped in for the injured Ty Warren and was able to quickly pick up the system and do his job. He tallied 3.5 sacks and created some solid pressure for the defensive line. More importantly than that, he understood his role within the defense as a two-gap end.

Speaking of Ty Warren, who knows how he'll return from injury. If there's a big drop-off in his production, the Patriots can't afford to allow an effective defensive linemen to walk away.

This one shouldn't be too hard to get done, because I have a feeling Gerard Warren won't come at an incredibly high price. Of course, this free agent market could be completely unpredictable due to its brevity, so it's very likely that a team will overpay incredibly for his services. Truthfully, though, he's better in a rotational role.

Kevin Faulk

Coming off ACL surgery at age 35 isn't exactly the best way to ensure an NFL future. Of course, there are other ways that Faulk could have a future in the NFL. Among them is to coach the running backs.

With a young group of backs in the stable, Faulk could really serve the Patriots well as a position coach in a mentorship role for the young guys. Danny Woodhead specifically could benefit from Faulk's presence, as many have hypothesized that Woodhead will eventually assume the Faulk swiss army knife role.

Faulk has meant quite a bit to the Patriots organization over the years, and it would be a shame to see him end his career on such a sour note. An opportunity to pass along 12 years worth of NFL knowledge might be intriguing to the wily veteran back.

With the influx of youth in the Patriots backfield, it should certainly be intriguing to Belichick and Co.

Matt Light

When one guy does one thing for as long as and as well as Matt Light has played left tackle over the past decade, it becomes easy to take him for granted. The aspects of his game have been nitpicked and he's almost become vilified for his supposed inability to take on agile, speedy edge rushers.

The Patriots have their own agenda: winning football games. If Matt Light is their best option to help them do that in 2011, they will likely take the necessary measures to make sure that happens.

The first-round selection of project left tackle Nate Solder does nothing to clear up the situation. It's hard to believe the Patriots would have taken a chance on protecting Tom Brady's blind side with Solder unless they thought he could be ready for the start of the 2011 season. At the same time, they may be entertaining the possibility of sliding Sebastian Vollmer over to the left side and retaining Nick Kaczur (contrary to the previous slide).

Only time will tell, but this offensive line has benefited greatly from a long period of continuity and could be in for some shapeshifting in the 2011 season.

Logan Mankins

Will there be a franchise tag in the new CBA? Most seem to think so, but this is a lingering question that clearly impacts the Patriots. Their offensive line has seen some turnover recently with the retirement of Steve Neal and the uncertainty around Nick Kaczur's future with the team.

Ultimately, that means the Patriots need to hang onto every holdover they possibly can. Continuity is an underrated characteristic of any offensive line, and the Patriots need to make sure they have it. Another underrated characteristic in the offensive trench is tenacity. All the skill and technique in the world could serve you well, but sometimes football is a game of wills. I don't think there are many offensive linemen in the NFL that play with as much anger as Mankins brings on every play.

The Pro Bowl guard could cost a pretty penny to keep around, but that would be the case even if the franchise tag is made available.