The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... Seeing Patriots owner Robert Kraft give Blount a big bear hug at the Celtics-Cavaliers game Wednesday night added fuel to the speculation that the big back will return to Foxboro this season. It's seems like a no-brainer.

Diehards Line: As Globe staffer Jim McBride noted, Blount, who is wildly popular with his teammates, loves it in New England, the staff loves him, and he’s a perfect fit to round out the New England’s running back corps. He’s big (6 feet, 250 pounds), he knows the offense, and he has a nose for the end zone. McBride summed up: "Look for a new deal to get done sooner rather than later." We'll continue to watch for more.