"It goes without saying, but John is an all-time great safety, one of the league's classiest professionals and his elite play speaks for itself," coach Bill Belichick said of Lynch, who turns 37 on Sept. 25. "As has been the case in other situations, I would not rule anything out down the road."

During their decade-long run of success, the Patriots have regularly signed veterans and often released them, only to sign them again if needed. Belichick's comments indicate Lynch may be in that category. He has played 15 seasons, 11 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and four with the Denver Broncos.

"I have no regrets about my time thus far with the Patriots," Lynch said in a statement released by the club. "The immense respect that I've long held for the organization has been only heightened over the past couple of weeks. I am going to keep all options open and look forward with excitement to see what the future brings."

New England signed Lynch after he was released by Denver early in training camp.

The Patriots also cut Chad Jackson, their second-round draft pick in 2006 from Florida.

DOLPHINS EXTEND WILLIAMS' CONTRACT: Ricky Williams is signed up for two more seasons in the NFL. The Miami Dolphins are hoping he plays out his contract this time.

The Dolphins signed Williams to a one-year contract extension through the 2009-10 season on Sunday, putting their faith in the controversial running back even though he's bailed on them in the past.

Speaking publicly for the first time in months, Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said the team wanted to extend the 31-year-old so he didn't become a free agent after this season.

GIANTS SIGN MCDOUGLE: The New York Giants shored up their defensive end position by signing former Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick Jerome McDougle.

A first round pick in 2003, McDougle was cut by Philadelphia on Saturday. He played in 33 games in five seasons and had three sacks. He missed all of last season with a triceps injury and was out for all of 2005 after being shot in the abdomen during a robbery during the offseason.

BRIEFLY: The San Francisco 49ers claimed linebacker Ahmad Brooks off waivers from the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, waiving linebacker Dontarrious Thomas to make room on their 53-man roster.

* The Detroit Lions have signed veteran linebacker Ryan Nece and claimed rookie running back Marcus Thomas. The team also signed eight players to the practice squad, including former baseball prospect and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Drew Henson.

* Receivers Danny Amendola and Mike Jefferson were signed Sunday to the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad, and there is a chance that one or both of them will play in the season opener.

Amendola, a rookie free agent from Texas Tech, and Jefferson, who was on the practice squad last season, were among 21 players the Cowboys cut Saturday to get to their 53-man roster.

Both players cleared waivers, along with five other players Dallas cut and brought back to the practice squad.

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