The Facts: The Patriots have informed Washington that they don't plan to pick up his $4 million option bonus but are interested in him returning with a reworked deal.

Diehards Line:If the sides don't reach a reworked deal, Washington, a top special teams performer, will become an unrestricted free agent Feb. 29. While he did not catch a pass and played in only 37 offensive snaps this season due to the depth and health of others at the position, Globe staffer Mike Reiss notes that Washington seemed to enjoy playing for the Patriots after spending the first four years of his career with the Bengals. That would seemingly give the team an edge in re-signing him to a new deal.