The Facts: Taylor, who turned 34 on Jan. 27, assumes he will return to the Patriots to finish out his two-year contract. Any running back with 12 years of experience and 11,540 yards on his tires is a candidate for retirement. Taylor said he is definitely coming back next year. “I signed a two-year deal,” Taylor said. “In my mind, I would like to finish it. I haven’t really spoke to anyone regarding what’s going to happen, but we’ll see soon, I think.

Diehards Line:Taylor wants to not just come back, but also to compete for the featured role in the backfield. “I’m not just going back to sit,” Taylor said. “I can do that down here. ..." Taylor spent most of the 2009 season sidelined with an ankle injury and finished with 269 yards on 63 carries in just six games. Sounds like he's looking for some redemption. “I feel like I let some people down, including myself,” Taylor said. “But I’ve got another chance, another opportunity to prove myself.”