Patriot Off-Season Player News

WR Kelly Washington:
The Patriots have informed wide receiver Kelley Washington that they don't plan to pick up the $4 million option bonus he was due as part of the five-year deal he signed last offseason. However, the team has expressed interest in bringing him back with a reworked deal. If the Patriots don't pay out the option bonus and the sides don't reach an accord on another deal, Washington would become a free agent. If the Patriots were to pick up the bonus, Washington's contract would extend through the 2011 season.

WR Donte Stallworth:
The Patriots have a similar decision to make on Donte Stallworth, who has an $8 million option bonus payment due.

S Rodney Harrison:
Patriots safety Rodney Harrison was asked over the weekend whether he plans to play in 2008, and he indicated that he does: "Right now, at this point, I feel like I'm going to honor the last year of my contract," said the 35-year-old. "Everyone's asking me about retirement. I don't know what to say about it. I haven't said anything publicly about wanting to retire or anything like that. I'm very hungry to get back to working out and be a part of this team, and try to win another championship.... I'm going to take some time off to let my body rest, then I'll be back in the gym in two or three weeks. I'll be back, rejuvenated and ready to go."

LB T.J. Slaughter:
The Patriots signed free-agent LB T.J. Slaughter. The contract is a one-year package for the minimum $730,000. Slaughter projects as an inside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 alignment, and at this point, would likely be vying for a backup spot.

DL Mike Wright:
The Patriots have until Feb. 28 to decide what tender offer to place on DL Mike Wright, their top restricted free agent. As a restricted free agent, Wright can still visit with other clubs and sign an offer sheet, but the Patriots have the right to match the offer. This is similar to WR Wes Welker's situation last year with the Dolphins. Barring the possibility of reaching a contract extension with Wright, the Patriots will likely place the second-round tender on him.

DL Santonio Thomas:
The Patriots signed DL Santonio Thomas to the 53-man active roster the day before the Super Bowl, but then declared him inactive for the game. The move was made with the future in mind, as the contract Thomas signed was a pact through the 2008 season, ensuring he'll be with the club when the new league year starts in early March.

4 sign future contracts:
The Patriots announced the signing of guard Dan Connolly, wide receiver C.J. Jones, offensive lineman Jimmy Martin and cornerback Tim Mixon to future contracts today. Connolly, Jones and Mixon all ended the season as members of the Patriots practice squad. This means all four players will be with the club once the 2008 league year starts in March.