The Facts: Bennett will test free agency. Based on his asking price and likely offers, it's a real possibility he exits New England, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is told.

Diehards Line: Bennett's contract expires March 9. He has given every indication that he will explore all options, meaning a "hometown discount" is likely not in the cards. Bennett turns 30 on the second day of free agency. He just completed a four-year, $20.4 million deal, and this probably represents his final opportunity to land a somewhat lucrative multiyear contract. According to MassLive.com, the Patriots' willingness to pay Bennett directly ties to their current medical evaluation of Rob Gronkowski, who is rehabbing from season-ending back surgery, the third such procedure since his college days. Gronkowski has undergone eight surgeries -- or eight have made the news -- since entering the NFL in 2010. He will soon reach the expensive end of his contract. Gronk carries cap hits of $6.7 million in 2017, $11 million in 2018, and $12 million in 2019. The question is how much Benentt will demand? It's something we'll all be watching next month. In the meantime, NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal suggests the Texans might be a potential landing spot for Bennett, a Houston native, who would add another dimension to a nice group of skill-position players.