The writing might be on the wall with Kyle Van Noy.

With Tom Brady, Devin McCourty and other high-profile free agents set to hit free agency alongside him, the Patriots may not have the money to bring Van Noy back. And speaking with NFL.com, the linebacker made it known that it’s not just a payday he’s looking for, but the attention that comes along with being a marquee free agent.

“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,” Van Noy 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 (other free agents) 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 played near a Pro Bowl level in 2019, and with two Super Bowl rings at 28 years old, he’s hitting free agency at the right time. An unconventional linebacker/defensive end, his versatility could aid him on the open market. And he told Mike Garafolo the Patriots haven’t been in touch yet, so he’ll likely get his chance to test it.

If it’s respect Van Noy craves, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him land with one of Bill Belichick’s former assistants — Matt Patricia (Detroit), Brian Flores (Miami), Joe Judge (New York) — and elevated into a captain’s role.