If 2007 winds up being an uncapped year, it could be a godsend to a player like Richard Seymour, who is considered by many the best all-around defensive lineman in the game and would become a free agent in that uncapped offseason.

The decision by the New England Patriots not to use a franchise tag on kicker Adam Vinatieri has sparked speculation that the Cowboys will pursue the veteran when free agency begins Friday.

Doug Flutie hasn?t had any dialogue with the Patriots yet regarding a return to the team, although one team official said he felt it was likely the 43-year-old quarterback will be asked back.

The New England Patriots have begun addressing a group of 17 veterans eligible for unrestricted free agency by signing versatile linebacker Don Davis to a one-year contract extension that will keep him off the open market and quell any thoughts of retirement.

The Patriots are apparently interested in talking to Seahawks receiver Joe Jurevicius, who like NFL MVP Shaun Alexander and Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson, are now free agents.

Richard Seymour expressed optimism yesterday that he and the Patriots will come to terms on a new contract, avoiding the events of last year when the four-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman sat out mandatory spring minicamp and then held out the first few days of full training camp in July.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady played half the season with a hernia and will have surgery to correct the problem, the Boston Herald reported Thursday.