Patriots signed KR/PR Leon Washington, formerly of the Seahawks.

Free agent KR/RB Leon Washington will visit the Patriots Thursday.

The Pats were also linked to Josh Cribbs before he settled in Arizona, so it appears they're looking to move on from track star Jeff Demps. Washington ranked second in the league in kickoff return average last season at 29.0 yards.

The Bucs have "been in contact" with free agent KR/RB Leon Washington, but "no deal is imminent."

The Bucs reportedly considered trading for Washington before he was released by the Seahawks, and remain interested. He'd provide a serious return threat for a team that lacked one in 2012.

Seahawks released KR/RB Leon Washington.

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reports the Seahawks are shopping KR/RB Leon Washington.

We could see this coming after the acquisition of Percy Harvin, who is just as potent in the return game. Washington has a $2.875 million cap number, and that's too expensive for a No. 3 running back who won't be used on returns. Washington, 30, finished second in the NFL with his 29.0 YPR average on kickoffs in 2012. He might be able to fetch a late-round pick.

Leon Washington is expected to serve as the Seahawks' undisputed change-of-pace back.

Marshawn Lynch and rookie Robert Turbin are both early-down pounders. With Justin Forsett gone, Washington has at least the third-down job to himself. He's averaged an impressive 4.7 yards per carry during his six-year career.

The Seahawks have "penciled in" Leon Washington as their third-down back for 2012.

Beat writer Eric Williams is assuming free agent Justin Forsett won't return, and allows that Tyrell Sutton could compete for the passing-down gig. Marshawn Lynch is Seattle's early-down bellcow, with rookie Robert Turbin backing him up. Washington has the most explosiveness and held up well as a pass blocker last season, so he's the heavy favorite for third-down work over Sutton.

Leon Washington carried the ball six times for -3 yards in Sunday's win over the Rams.

Given his second most carries of the season, Washington could do nothing against the league's worst run defense. Expect Washington to remain invisible outside of special teams going forward.

The Seattle Times confirms that Leon Washington is the Seahawks' preferred option in one-back sets when Marshawn Lynch (back) is out.

Washington started over Justin Forsett in Week 7, carrying seven times for 39 yards and adding four receptions. Forsett got eight touches. Forsett's per-carry average (2.5) is way down from past seasons, and he's clearly fallen to third on the depth chart. Washington is the preferred handcuff for Lynch.

Coach Pete Carroll is increasing Leon Washington's offensive reps in preparation for a bigger role this season.

"We love him," said Carroll. "We love what he does, but think he just needs reps in this zone scheme that we're running and so he can show us where he's special and unique in our stuff." Washington was limited to return duties last season by design, as Carroll wanted to ease him back in after reconstructive leg surgery. Washington figures to be used as a change-of-pace back, cutting into Marshawn Lynch's receptions and Justin Forsett's snaps.