Washington, who is entering his 14th season, views this as his last opportunity at a big payday. Acquired via trade with Chicago Aug. 19 for a fourth-round pick in this year's draft, Washington was a key component of the league's seventh-ranked defense in 2003. He is expected to be among the most coveted interior defensive linemen in free agency, along with the Giants' Cornelius Griffin, Tampa Bay's Warren Sapp, and Tennessee's Robaire Smith.
The Patriots and Washington were discussing a deal in the three-year, $8 million range. That could pale in comparison to what awaits him in free agency. According to a league source, the Oakland Raiders, who are switching to a 3-4 front under new defensive coordinator and ex-Patriots outside linebackers coach Rob Ryan, will make a strong push to land Washington and may be in position to offer him a $5.5 million signing bonus. One industry source said the Raiders may also go after Hamilton, 32.
Washington may also draw interest from the Redskins and Chargers, both of whom need defensive linemen. Washington has ties to both organizations; his former coordinator in Chicago, Greg Blache, is on staff in Washington, and his coordinator with the Bills, Wade Phillips, now directs San Diego's defense.
Washington's departure would leave the Patriots without a true nose tackle. Jarvis Green, Richard Seymour, and Ty Warren all can play over the center but are more suited to end. At 5-11, 283 pounds, Dan Klecko has yet to prove he is more than a situational nose tackle.
Meanwhile, there have been no conversations between the Patriots and Ty Law's agent, Carl Poston, since the team's initial proposal on an extension, for four years at $26 million. New England would like to lower Law's salary cap figure for next year, which stands at about $10 million.
