Lenny Megliola of the Boston Herald writes that Doug Flutie hasn't had any dialogue with the Patriots yet regarding a return to the team, although one team official said he felt it was likely the 43-year-old quarterback will be asked back. "If the opportunity is there, I think he'll be back," Flutie's agent, Kristen Kuliga, said. If Flutie doesn't re-sign with the Patriots, he will retire and prepare for a broadcasting career.

Tom Curran of the Providence Journal writes that Patriots wide receiver David Givens is bound to find generous suitors when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 22 days, Givens' agent, Brad Blank, says that staying in New England is his client's first choice. "New England has been very good for David and he loves it here," said Blank. "He would prefer to stay with the Patriots, and we have every intention of making sure the Patriots have every chance to keep him here." If a team swoops in and makes Givens an offer he can't refuse, paying him No. 1 wide receiver money, there's little question the Patriots will take a pass on matching that. They value Givens' work but they can't get their pay scale out of whack by paying Givens like a No. 1 when Deion Branch comes up for a new contract in 2007 and will warrant a significant pay raise himself.

The Sun Chronicle reports that the Racearama n' Trade Show, which has been held in West Springfield for the past 25 years, will be held March 3-5 at the Dana Farber Fieldhouse next to Gillette Stadium. The show will feature displays of from 150 to 250 race cars, along with displays from speed equipment manufacturers, racing teams and short track and super speedway racing venues.

Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes. Reiss is reporting in his blog that the Patriots have hired South Dakota Tech defensive coordinator Josh Boyer as a quality control coach, according to the school. Boyer served as defensive coordinator at South Dakota Tech last season, and he previously coached at Kent State, where new Patriots defensive coordinator Dean Pees was head coach (1998-2003). A quality control coach is often responsible for breaking down opponents' film, scouting preparations and practice assistance.

Tom Curran of the Providence Journal offers his NFL notebook. Curran reports that two days after the Steelers beat the Seahawks, 21-10, in the NFL title game, the league said Tuesday that no mistakes were made by the game officials, although Seattle coach Mike Holmgren might disagree. "The game was properly officiated, including, as in most NFL games, some tight plays that produced disagreement about the calls made by the officials," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in a statement.

Tom Curran of the Providence Journal offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes and commentary.