Belichick knows this routine

Patriots coach Bill Belichick does not share in the widespread panic that seems to have engulfed Patriot fandom over the losses of free agents Willie McGinest (Cleveland), Adam Vinatieri (Indianapolis), and David Givens (Tennessee), key starters on the team's recent Super Bowl championship squads.

Meanwhile, in the two weeks teams have been able to sign free agents, New England has added only Reche Caldwell, a receiver considered a disappointment with the Chargers, who selected him in the second round in 2002.

''This is all part of the process," Belichick said yesterday. ''You do everything you can to improve the team when you can do it. That's the process. And it doesn't stop, really, until you get to the regular season. We have a long way to go."

As far as losing players to other teams, Belichick points to the long list of players who have departed in recent years, rattling off the names of Ty Law, Joe Andruzzi, and Ted Washington to illustrate there are changes each offseason.

''Every team has to go through it," Belichick said.

Guard Tom Ashworth signed a five-year, $13 million deal with the Seahawks. Ashworth will receive $4.5 million in the first year in a combination of bonuses and salary. ''I spoke to [Patriots chief administrative counsel] Jack Mula and [vice president of player personnel] Scott Pioli this afternoon," Ashworth's agent, Tom Mills, said. ''They were both very happy for Tom and congratulated me and Tom on the new deal. Tom is so grateful to them for his experience over the last five years -- he would have never seen this day if it weren't for their ability to develop him. No hard feelings whatsoever from Tom or myself." Mills said the Patriots made an attempt to re-sign Ashworth but the numbers did not get to the level of the Seahawks' offer . . . The Patriots might take their time signing a kicker after Mike Vanderjagt signed a three-year, $5.5 million deal with a $2.5 million signing bonus with the Dallas Cowboys . . . The Patriots are trying to re-sign running back Heath Evans . . . Vinatieri, who signed with the Colts Tuesday, says fans shouldn't be worried about the Patriots. ''They still have a tremendous team, lots of good players, and they still have Coach Belichick and his coaching staff," he said. ''They will continue to be successful. It's a transition time, and I think that's part of the NFL in this day and age. To be able to remain successful like they have, and like the Indianapolis Colts have, definitely has something to do with coaching and management, [and their ability] to maintain continuity and stay on the top level."

Nick Cafardo of the Globe staff contributed to this report.