Pats and Wilfork close to a deal for an extension?

[AzorianPats]

according to the charger hacks(reporters)out here, vince is well over 400lbs and totally out of shape. heard them say it myself and was a little surprised seeing as i haven't heard it from anyone back there and i listen and read every day.

Ehh I don't believe this. I follow Bianca on instagram. She's been working out and dropped tons of weight. Nothing against Vince, but Bianca one bad woman. You can tell she wears the pants in that marriage. She's not gonna let him get comfortable like that lol


O.T bout Bianca. Now that she's shaping up, you can see she's one curvy girl! If you like girls with a big booty, she's your girl.

 

[patchick]

3. If the Pats are currently at around $4MM in cap space, they are going to have to create about $10MM more if we hare going to be able to sign the players we need to sign in order to complete what we've started.

We still need that additional pass rusher, a move TE, a couple of LB's, and at least one OLman, PLUS $4MM to sign our rookies and another 2MM for a reserve. We can squeeze out another $3-4MM with assorted cuts or restructures of other players, but unless there is a way to create around $7MM in cap space from Vince's contract, I question if we have any other option but to cut him now, and if he's capable of playing, re-sign him down the road.

Ken, you really, really have to read this:
Draft Pick Cap Misconception

The rookies actually take about $1.5MM.

 

[Triumph]

This isn't a shot at you but I honestly think this is a bunch of crap. Wilfork didn't look close to that at the AFCCG and the Patriots medical staff is definitely following his progress in rehab and Wilfork has everything to lose by simple allowing himself to go to hell physically. And for all those claiming Bianca is making the decisions it is seriously doubtful he's spending his days watching Oprah and pigging out on buckets and buckets of wings. Wilfork is probably around 350 and following his rehab program to the T. He is big but he's never been lazy and I think those betting against him are making a big mistake. He isn't worth 11 million and they shouldn't pay him that but if they can get him down around 5 million cap hit they should do it because Vince Wilfork make s this a much better line overall even if he is at 80%, and if they see he can't get back to that point they will always have the option of moving on without getting killed by it. This can be a win/win for both parties and if they get it done the Patriots are that much closer to ready for next season.

Wilfork has a front porch, but hes very athletic.

Remember when BB told the players if Wilfork caught a punt that they could have time off and Wilfork fielded the punt like he was Kevin Faulk? Wilfork has like 3 interceptions IIRC. Vs the Jets in the 2006 postseason, Wilfork picked up a fumble and returned it about 60 yards. I recall him saying that "he didnt show all his speed and one of those little fast guys caught me"

Where are all these reports coming from that Wilfork wont come back from this injury? Why arent the Pats moving on if Wilfork isnt going to be near the player that he was? Makes no sense for them to invest more money into damaged goods.

The NE run defense went to hell once Wilfork was gone and I welcome him back as soon as possible.

 

[vyrago]

As someone who is currently recovering from achilles surgery and thus having had a first hand experience of how debilitating it is, I wish Vince the best of luck for making a good comeback. I don't know what the recovery will be physically, but it has most certainly taken a psychological toll.

How did you blow it out, and does the "how" of the injury make any difference in the recovery from it?

 

[RIpats88]

If/once he restructures I would welcome Wilfork back with open arms. good locker-room leader for the pats, not to mention what he can bring on the field to stop the Run.

 

[Kontradiction]

If true, I hope they at least tested the Achilles out before going to the table to talk extension. If they didn't, this might not be the smartest of moves. There's no guarantee Wilfork can come back at even 3/4's of what he once was. As a matter of fact, the odds are against him. Not saying it can't happen. It certainly can, as Peters showed us. But Peters is more of the exception than the rule for guys that size.

 

[PatsGuy]

Volin mentioned in a prior piece that Wilfork's overall play in the three games prior to the injury was simply not good. Whether the heel (pre-injury) contributed to it who knows. It was obvious however that he was not at all "stout" Going forward, I'd be concerned.

 

[patchick]

If true, I hope they at least tested the Achilles out before going to the table to talk extension.

I can't imagine that any team, Patriots included, would sign a player coming off such a devastating injury without taking a close medical look. Maybe this is too optimistic, but I've taken the fact that they haven't yet cut Wilfork as a sign that they're comfortable with his rehab progress.

 

[Kontradiction]

I can't imagine that any team, Patriots included, would sign a player coming off such a devastating injury without taking a close medical look. Maybe this is too optimistic, but I've taken the fact that they haven't yet cut Wilfork as a sign that they're comfortable with his rehab progress.

Rehab and moving the foot around in circles on a doctor's table is one thing. Being able to drive off the foot and being able to support yourself while generating a push against two offensive linemen who are trying to drive you back is another. If they're going to put themselves on the hook for Wilfork a few more years, I hope they're absolutely sure he can at least come back at 75% of his former self. I know I probably don't have to tell you how devastating this injury is to men of his size.

 

[Danger Zone]

Being able to drive off the foot and being able to support yourself while generating a push against two offensive linemen who are trying to drive you back is another...
...I know I probably don't have to tell you how devastating this injury is to men of his size

Wilfork is just one of a very few Patriot's that even given his age and his injury, I think it's just good karma for the team to take a risk on him while it probably wouldn't be the smart move with most other player's in the same position.

..but the man needs to be willing to restructure.

And I agree with everything you said, and I too would like to emphasize that that Achilles is going to have to do all you said while supporting Wilfork's 350lb frame.

You're right, that's asking a lot of it.

 

[mayoclinic]

If true, I hope they at least tested the Achilles out before going to the table to talk extension. If they didn't, this might not be the smartest of moves.

I can't imagine that any team, Patriots included, would sign a player coming off such a devastating injury without taking a close medical look. Maybe this is too optimistic, but I've taken the fact that they haven't yet cut Wilfork as a sign that they're comfortable with his rehab progress.

Rehab and moving the foot around in circles on a doctor's table is one thing. Being able to drive off the foot and being able to support yourself while generating a push against two offensive linemen who are trying to drive you back is another. If they're going to put themselves on the hook for Wilfork a few more years, I hope they're absolutely sure he can at least come back at 75% of his former self. I know I probably don't have to tell you how devastating this injury is to men of his size.

The Pats' medical staff doesn't particular inspire me with confidence. And what about giving Jonathan Fanene a $12M contract with a $3.5M signing bonus and missing a knee issue?

I would personally wait until Wilfork shows that he can work out and demonstrate some power before discussing anything that involves additional money. Anything else would be very, very risky IMO.

 

[everlong]

The Pats' medical staff doesn't particular inspire me with confidence. And what about giving Jonathan Fanene a $12M contract with a $3.5M signing bonus and missing a knee issue?

I would personally wait until Wilfork shows that he can work out and demonstrate some power before discussing anything that involves additional money. Anything else would be very, very risky IMO.

That and you hired a guy the Red Soxs fired.

He was a controversial figure there too.

 

[Brady6]

Actually what makes no sense is your compulsion to turn every thread into a crap fest on Danny Amendola. Its really obnoxious and tiresome.

It is not a crap fest on Amendola, it is a let us give Wilfork the same opportunity you have advocated to give Amendola, because he deserves it.

My only issue with Amendola was I was concerned that he would prevent us from resigning Edelman, with that no longer an issue I am fine with him being on the team.

 

[Brady6]

according to the charger hacks(reporters)out here, vince is well over 400lbs and totally out of shape. heard them say it myself and was a little surprised seeing as i haven't heard it from anyone back there and i listen and read every day.

In 2004, Wilfork weighed 323Lbs. at the combine, he was listed at 325Lbs. ever since, if you look at him then and now he is a bigger man, and I am sure he has developed more muscle during his time in the NFL. If I was to guess, Wilfork has played recent seasons between 360-380Lbs. With that in mind, even if he is over 400Lbs. he only has to lose 10% of his body weight to get back to 360Lbs. People who think he was playing at 325Lbs. and gained 75Lbs. are crazy.

 

[PatsFan2]

Wilfrok is 32 and will be 33 late this season he's could still give us two to three good years as run stuffing DT. So keeping Wilfork will allow us to concentrate on others areas and DT wouldn't be a Need in 2014. It's not impossible for Big Vince to come back at a high level but just not at 11Mill. He has been a Great player for us over the years Vince - Sealver Siliga and Tommy Kelley would give us a Great rotation at DT in 2014. Our 2014 Run Defense with a renewed Vince Wilfork could be just as Stout as our Pass Defense. This could be the Best Defense BB fielded since he has been here.

 

[mayoclinic]

Wilfrok is 32 and will be 33 late this season he's could still give us two to three good years as run stuffing DT. So keeping Wilfork will allow us to concentrate on others areas and DT wouldn't be a Need in 2014. It's not impossible for Big Vince to come back at a high level but just not at 11Mill. He has been a Great player for us over the years Vince - Sealver Siliga and Tommy Kelley would give us a Great rotation at DT in 2014. Our 2014 Run Defense with a renewed Vince Wilfork could be just as Stout as our Pass Defense. This could be the Best Defense BB fielded since he has been here.

All of what you say is 100% true IF and only IF Wilfork is able to come back from his Achilles' tendon rupture and play at an effective level. That is not a given by any means. Otherwise, it's just wishful thinking.

 

[Kontradiction]

Wilfrok is 32 and will be 33 late this season he's could still give us two to three good years as run stuffing DT. So keeping Wilfork will allow us to concentrate on others areas and DT wouldn't be a Need in 2014. It's not impossible for Big Vince to come back at a high level but just not at 11Mill. He has been a Great player for us over the years Vince - Sealver Siliga and Tommy Kelley would give us a Great rotation at DT in 2014. Our 2014 Run Defense with a renewed Vince Wilfork could be just as Stout as our Pass Defense. This could be the Best Defense BB fielded since he has been here.

You're thinking of the here and now. If they give him an extension, they're on the hook for later years. If he comes back and plays like he's on skates again, it's a head scratching move. If he can come back at even 75% of his former self (or better), it's a good move.

 

[PatsFan2]

@Mayo and Kontra one good thing with Wilfork was that his injury happened early in the year so he had quite a considerable time including now to rehab. I was under the impression that he was 34 Good DT's can play up to 36. We have to think even Vince at 65% Clogging the middle of our Defense is still better than Sealver Siliga and Tommy Kelley in that role. Maybe the Pats gave that some serious thought and for the record Vince have been Very Durable up to last year.

 

[PP2]

All of what you say is 100% true IF and only IF Wilfork is able to come back from his Achilles' tendon rupture and play at an effective level. That is not a given by any means. Otherwise, it's just wishful thinking.

That is the big question mark.

Surgery for and the healing of a ruptured achilles heel is much more complex than say, an ACL tear.

The tendon must not only be reattached, but set in place with just the right amount of tension, and there is a certain amount of guesswork involved with this (especially with a freak athlete like Wilfork, who probably leg presses a ton).

And from what I've read, Wilfork is just not coming back at 100%, no matter how successful the surgery or rehab.

So while I'm hoping for the best, I'm still tempering my expectations. Whatever happens, I hope it's amicable.

 

[mayoclinic]

@Mayo and Kontra one good thing with Wilfork was that his injury happened early in the year so he had quite a considerable time including now to rehab. I was under the impression that he was 34 Good DT's can play up to 36. We have to think even Vince at 65% Clogging the middle of our Defense is still better than Sealver Siliga and Tommy Kelley in that role. Maybe the Pats gave that some serious thought and for the record Vince have been Very Durable up to last year.

It's not at all clear that Wilfork at 65% will be better than Siliga, and I think you need to factor in the cost factor.

Without the injury issue, I think it would have been a no brainer to work out a 2-3 year extension with Wilfork that lowered his 2014 cap hit and kept him a Patriot for the remainder of his career. 35-36 was my estimate. Ted Washington played very well for us at age 35 in 2003.

The injury takes all bets off, IMO. It's irrelevant that Wilfork has been very durable up to last year. He's now coming off a major injury which is quite tricky to recover from at his weight and given the physical stresses of his role. He has a strong family history of diabetes, which suggests that genetically he may have some issues with micro-circulation which could affect his ability to heal and recover, and which could affect his susceptibility to re-injury or subsequent injury.

It's just not clear. Obviously, we'd all love to have an effective Wilfork back. That's a no-brainer. But tying up future cap space in a guy who may struggle with injuries and be ineffective for the remainder of his career would be a terrible move. Until there's some clear indication that Wilfork can come back, I think it would be a huge risk to tie up new money based on wishful thinking.