6 Patriots Who May Be Playing Their Last Game in New England in Super Bowl XLIX

Contrary to what you may have read or heard over the last couple of days, the New England Patriots have a football game to play this Sunday. The 53 players on the Patriots roster have only a few press conferences and practices to go before they can square off against the Seattle Seahawks.

Unfortunately, there are many key players on the active roster that may be playing their final game in a Patriots uniform. Here are six Patriots—ranked in order of importance to the team—and a projection on their upcoming fate.

Figures from OverTheCap.com are used extensively throughout the article.

Darrelle Revis

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Priority: Extreme

Projection: Extension

Darrelle Revis is simply a game-changer. While he doesn't wow on the stat sheet—he totaled only two interceptions in 2014—what he allows the defense to accomplish is remarkable. Devin McCourty can play as a single high safety as Revis doesn't need help over the top. The strong safety can either help play the run or play the "Rat" or "Robber" position.

Extending Revis should priority No. 1 for the Patriots this offseason. His $25 million cap number is an albatross around the neck of the Patriots' financial situation. Bill Belichick should lock him up long term as soon as possible; saving the Patriots money and ensuring a versatile secondary for years to come.

Devin McCourty

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

Priority: High

Projection: Franchise Tag

If Revis isn't re-signed, Devin McCourty becomes the top player to sign. As his hat states in the picture above, McCourty simply does his job. He doesn't make a ton of splash plays but instead inhibits quarterbacks from throwing the ball into his area. His ability to help in the run game is remarkable for a cornerback turned free safety.

If the Patriots do elect to extend Revis, there may not be enough left over to extend McCourty. If not, there are some options available to Bill Belichick and his front office. Using the franchise tag is a bit of a last-ditch solution, but it could be used as leverage to make a deal that works for both sides.

Stephen Gostkowski

Elise Amendola/Associated Press

Priority: Medium-High

Projection: Re-signed

A reliable kicker isn't easy to find. Gostkowski has been that and more for New England. While Belichick may opt to try to find a replacement on the cheap—see Ryan Allen for Zoltan Mesko—I think Gostkowski has earned his trust.

A base salary in the range of $3 million and a modest signing bonus should be enough to secure his services for the next four to five years.

Shane Vereen

Steven Senne/Associated Press

Priority: Medium

Projection: Free Agent Loss

Shane Vereen is one of the better third-down running backs in the league, providing a consistent receiving threat for Tom Brady coming out of the backfield. For that reason—along with a light overall workload— Vereen is going to see a big payday. I don't see that happening in New England.

With running backs James White, Tyler Gaffney and LeGarrette Blount under contract next year—plus a bumper crop in the 2015 NFL draft—Vereen may expendable. If it comes down to keeping Vereen or a defensive back like McCourty or Revis, the running back is the more fungible asset.

Dan Connolly

Stephan Savoia/Associated Press

Priority: Low-Medium

Projection: Re-signed (for now)

A versatile offensive lineman that has earned the trust of his quarterback, Connolly is a calming presence on the Patriots offensive line. However, at 32 years of age and with a salary north of $3 million a year, his time may be limited. New England could develop an in-house prospect like Cameron Fleming, Marcus Cannon or Josh Kline, or look to the 2015 NFL draft and select a top-flight offensive lineman like Brandon Scherff (Iowa) or La'El Collins (LSU).

Expect Connolly to re-sign with New England during free agency, but he could be a potential cap-casualty come training camp.

Akeem Ayers

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Priority: Low-Medium

Projection: Re-signed

Akeem Ayers has enjoyed his time in New England, putting his newly-found time to good use. He racked up four sacks and an interception during his short time as a Patriot. As a depth player behind the duo of Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich, Ayers would provide a solid option for minimal cash outlay.

Expect Ayers to test the free-agent waters but ultimately re-sign with the team that believed in his talents.