Bedard: The 5 Patriots players with the most on the line in the postseason

As we all know, everything about the New England Patriots centers around team glory, so there is little talk or even time spent on individual achievement and how decisions may or may not affect the future of one player.

But that's the Patriots' utopia. The real world of the NFL is something different and once the Patriots' season concludes — even with a possible seventh Super Bowl title — then that will hit hard. There could be coaching changes (Josh McDaniels), player personnel movement (Nick Caserio, Monte Ossenfort), and, of course, the offseason will be dominated by the Tom Brady saga.

Those are the major pieces for the Patriots this offseason. But there are several other players who face key offseasons when it comes to their financial and football futures. While most of the decisions will be made off of game film for the entire season, a great postseason performance under the toughest circumstances and opponents can help secure a great future — whether that's in Foxborough or elsewhere.

With that in mind, here are the five Patriots with the most at stake as the regular season concludes, and the playoffs beckon (we're not including Brady because he's not going to gain or lose anything).

1. Kyle Van Noy, OLB

The 2014 second-round pick of the Lions is set to become a free agent for the first time in his career this offseason. He's "only" made about $16 million total in his career, and he should double that just in his signing bonus this offseason.

It's really not a great free agency period as far as edge players, so that will help Van Noy. Top available:

Jadeveon Clowney*
Whitney Mercilus*
Shaquil Barrett*
Bruce Irvin
Bud Dupree
Robert Quinn*
Ezekiel Ansah
Jabaal Sheard
Michael Bennett
Jason Pierre-Paul
Shaq Lawson
Vinny Curry

* Denotes likely franchise tag candidates.

Through 15 games, Van Noy leads the Patriots in my tabulations (I give credit for helping sacks and pressures) in sacks (seven), QB hits (13.5), hurries (35.5) and in stuffed runs (12) among everyone besides Lawrence Guy (20.5). And he didn't play in Week 1. Outside of Stephon Gilmore, he's been the defensive MVP. I will say, however, that he's been fading a bit down the stretch (6.5 QBP in the past five games, 28 in eight games at one point). That's where a strong postseason can really help him as far as the market goes.

There's a decent chance he won't have a huge market because the Patriots' system doesn't allow edge guys to pop off the screen or stat sheet (look at what Chandler Jones is doing in Arizona). And Van Noy's best assets are his smarts, versatility, and toughness, and not every scheme requires that. But if you're Matt Patricia trying to save his job in Detroit and needs pass rush help, or Brian Flores trying to build a culture in Miami, or the Chiefs, Ravens, and Bills trying to topple the Patriots, why not go after Van Noy?

I think he'll have a good market and the linebacker tag ($15.4 million last year) doesn't seem like a good value.

2. Joe Thuney, LG

I don't think there's much more Thuney could do to top this outstanding season — he should have gone to the Pro Bowl — but he could give himself a last boost, or he could hurt himself a little (I don't see that happening).

This season, Tom Brady has allowed more pressure on himself (two sacks, four hits, two hurries — eight total QB pressures) than Thuney: one sack, 3.5 hits, 2.5 hurries — seven total QB pressures. Thuney has allowed just three run stuffs all season as well (Ryan Izzo has 11.5).

Thuney deserves to be paid like a top-five guard in the league, and I can't see that happening here with Shaq Mason's deal and the drafting of Hjlate Froholdt.

To make matters even better for Thuney, Brandon Scherff (Washington) and Richie Incognito (likely back in Oakland) are the only top guards on the market.

3. Jamie Collins, OLB

I think the end of Collins in New England, his tour in Cleveland and his return to the Patriots has shown everyone in the league exactly what Collins is — a talented player whose motivation comes and goes depending on outside circumstances. So I don't think his market will be robust. But if he stars in the postseason with turnovers, sacks, interceptions and other athletic plays, someone's going to delude themselves into thinking Collins can become a DPOY candidate for them. Would be a perfect Cowboy or Redskin.

4. Danny Shelton, NT

Shelton basically made most of his money in the first season of his rookie deal as the 12th overall pick of the Browns in 2015 ($7 million of his $12.7 million to date). He had no takers as a free agent this past offseason after a mostly poor 2018 with the Patriots, so he had to take the Patriots' $1 million minimum offer.

Shelton has been largely terrific this season as the Patriots' lone nose tackle, and his three sacks won't hurt either. Shelton has shown much better buy-in this season and that will help when it comes to other teams looking for run stuffers. Shelton should find a multi-year contract off this season, and shutting down the run in the playoffs should seal the deal.

5. Adam Butler, DT

Butler is a restricted free agent and could get some interest depending on where the Patriots tender him. As an undrafted free agent, I would think the second-round tender would be in play (over $3.1 million), but a smart play would be right-of-first-refusal tender (over $2 million but no pick compensation). If a team wants him, the Patriots could still work out a deal (like Wes Welker from the Dolphins).

A good player who I'm sure the Patriots would like back, but he's not an every-down player in this defense. How much are you going to pay a sub rusher? For a smart team out there who runs the 4-3, Butler would make a lot of sense as a three-technique and would play every down. The playoffs will be big for him.