When Patriots players listened to Bill Belichick in their final team meeting Jan. 11, one of the things he said was that those with expiring contracts could expect a call from the team in early February.

That process has begun. Patriots senior football advisor Floyd Reese, the point man for negotiations who returns for a second season with the club, has started working the phones this week.

Here is a list of players scheduled for unrestricted free agency and a quick-hit thought on their situation:

Tully Banta-Cain -- All things being equal, the outside linebacker/nickel rusher should be back. This is a case where the fit between team and player is a good one.

Leigh Bodden -- Eight-year veteran would be open to a return with a long-term contract, and after a season in which he was the team's most consistent cornerback, it would seem that the interest is mutual.

Derrick Burgess -- Veteran nickel rusher could return based on the uncertainty at the position, but it's hard to imagine the team extending itself too far to do so.

Kevin Faulk -- Running back's agent said that it his intention to return to the Patriots. The interest would appear to be mutual.

Jarvis Green -- Defensive lineman plans to test the free-agent market. The Patriots will likely stay in contact with him through the process, but it wouldn't be surprising if both sides move on.

Chris Hanson -- Punter the last three seasons is at the point of his career where if he returns it would be on a modest one-year deal.

Stephen Neal -- Starting right guard said after the team's playoff loss that he was considering retirement. With young interior linemen coming up the pipeline, it looks like both sides could move on.

Benjamin Watson -- Tight end has hired agent Drew Rosenhaus and the signs point to him at least wanting to explore the open market, which is often an indication that a player won't be back.

Vince Wilfork -- The sides could take one more stab at a long-term extension this month. The next domino to fall will be from Feb. 11-25 when teams can place the franchise tag on players, which is a certainty if an extension can't be reached.