Patriots Talk: Which young players will step up as leaders? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots parted ways with linebacker Kyle Van Noy in a move that clears much-needed salary cap space. But as they move on from a two-time Super Bowl champion, there's a leadership void that needs to be filled.
The linebacker depth chart ahead of free agency is thin with veterans Dont'a Hightower, Jamie Collins, and Ja'Whaun Bentley also set to hit the open market. Other defensive stalwarts becoming free agents include safety Devin McCourty and cornerback J.