I think you nailed that one. Whoever leaked, it's the mating dance of the favored free agent. I'm sure Hicks will get a look from others. I'm also sure that there's 31 other teams with talented players they need to pay, or risk losing.
As much as i like Hicks, and teams like our players, not every team is going to break the bank for a little used back up. We're the ones who watched him every week. He's not the only "sign the beast" candidate for 31 other teams.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats offer a competitive deal and he likes it here and has a short memory of how it feels to be in a bad fit situation elsewhere. Our much maligned owner runs a firstclass operation and it's not hype when you hear players everywhere remark on that. they might say it about Cleveland, but they'd have to stifle a laugh.