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New England Patriots LB Dont'a HIghtower is the team's top free agent priority in the 2017 offseason.

(AP Photo)

NFL free agency begins in six days, and the Patriots have not yet re-signed any of their players with expiring contracts.

Here is what we know about New England's 10 most important unrestricted free agents:

LB DONT'A HIGHTOWER: The Pro Bowl linebacker is continuing "positive and productive dialogue" with the Patriots, according to Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald.

Given Hightower's comments throughout the process, it seems he is intent on listening to other offers and finding his market value (other teams can begin negotiating with unrestricted free agents on Tuesday, March 7).

"I love what I have in New England," Hightower recently told ESPN's Adam Schefter on the 'Know Them From Adam' podcast. "I don't have too much drawn up. I just want to be respected and loved."

He added: "I'm sure (free agency) will be a journey, a rough and rocky one. But I'm looking forward to it. I've had five good years, and I'm looking forward to what's coming my way."

As many have pointed out, Hightower's situation could play out similar to Devin McCourty's in 2015. McCourty was reportedly close to leaving before the Patriots made a deal come together in the final moments.

TE MARTELLUS BENNETT: Given Bennett's comments throughout the process, it seems he is also intent on maxing out his potential earnings. His February 22 Twitter rant included this: "And stop @'ing me about taking less money. You take less money and your job? All of you take a pay cut hahaha."

Bennett is considered to be the best free agent tight end. He is also about to turn 30 years old, which may limit his potential for a huge contract. The Patriots have a need at tight end alongside Rob Gronkowski. We'll see how high they are willing to go to retain Bennett.

CB LOGAN RYAN: At 26 years old, Ryan has put together strong back-to-back seasons. He plays a coveted position. He is an ideal teammate and a relentless worker. He is going to make himself some money.

The salary cap website Spotrac.com lists Ryan as the No. 3 cornerback available in free agency. Spotrac predicts a five-year contract worth $72 million, an average annual salary of $14.4 million per year.

S DURON HARMON: Probably won't command as much money as Ryan, which makes him more likely to stay in New England. According to Jeff Howe of The Herald, both Ryan and Harmon seem ready to hit free agency. They will likely present their best offers to the Patriots, giving Bill Belichick an opportunity to match.

DE JABAAL SHEARD: Rebounded from a few poor outings in the middle of the season and a healthy scratch in Week 11 to finish strong for the Super Bowl champs. Sheard has value to the Pats, who are thin at edge rusher. Spotrac.com pegs Sheard's next contract to be worth $44 million over five years. He might not have that much value to New England.

DT ALAN BRANCH: One of the more intriguing free agents. Branch is 32 years old, so he won't cost a ton to retain. He is looking at a short-term deal -- probably a maximum of two years -- from any team. According to Howe, the Pats believe they have made a solid offer to Branch, who turned in arguably the best year of his NFL career a season ago.

RB LEGARRETTE BLOUNT: The 30-year-old Blount has expressed his desire to return to the Patriots. But the Pats are likely to weigh their options among veteran backs -- including Blount, Eddie Lacy, Latavius Murray, Jamaal Charles, Doug Martin (potentially), and some lesser-known players like Terrance West or Khiry Robinson. They will not spend much money on this position. They also seem likely to search for a back in the NFL Draft.

DE CHRIS LONG: Announced via Instagram that he will be moving on in free agency. This is not a surprise, as the Patriots need to go young at defensive end. Long was an important role player for the league's top scoring defense.

FB JAMES DEVELIN: The blocking fullback is expected to re-sign with New England, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.

WR MICHAEL FLOYD: The Pats paid $1.2 million for Floyd's services in the final three regular season games of 2016. The talented 6-foot-3 receiver had his ups (against Miami in Week 17) and his downs (against Houston in the divisional round). If the Pats bring him back, it will be on a cheap deal. Floyd is currently serving a 24-day jail sentence for his extreme DUI in Arizona, according to several reports.