Exactly. Those were stupid trades and stupid deals, and they hurt the team. They're great examples of why overpaying based on prior performance that doesn't match current value is bad operating procedure. Why would we possibly use those to justify continuing to pay another player when past performance doesn't equal present value?
Mayo, do you trust Belichick to make the right decision on this?
I do.
I'm a fan first and I hated the idea of losing Wilfork, in part because things changed so fast and i didn't really see it coming, however i will admit to being influenced by your posts and some others on the matter and changed my mind on it pretty quickly, however not to the degree of just cutting him even if he agrees to restructure. And in truth i don't think there are many on either side of this issue who are completely for just cutting him, or for keeping him if he refuses to restructure, so all in all it has been a debate where people seem to just be arguing past each other instead of recognizing that this is really about what kind of deal they can work out and how each party is protected by it.
1) I think you are right that he will never be the same player he once was because of the injury and his age, it is a tough one to come back from and they have to protect themselves from committing too much to a player who may not be able to make a full recovery. However they are definitely watching his weight and his rehab closely and will base any decisions on the restructure upon their evaluations of those factors.
2) Belichick is not prone to sentimental decisions and he is going to do what he thinks is best for the team first and that has been demonstrated over and over and over throughout is tenure so I really don't think that anyone should be worried about sentimentality playing a role in any decisions they make.
3) There is no compelling reason that they need this money freed up right now. Free agency has hit a lull and the deals are now second and third level or lower. The Patriots have numerous options to clear out space for any deal they would make at this point, unless a trade option we don't know about is out there an requires 8-10 in the immediate future.
4) The idea that teams don't need to be able to stop the run is idiotic (I am not suggesting you believe that). If Wilfork returns he most likely will not be as explosive as he was, however he will still be a big strong force in the middle of their defense and can play the same role for them over the next few seasons that Ted Washington did, and if you are facing Marshawn Lynch, Frank Gore, or any of the other backs who can tear it up through the middle of a defense you definitely want Vince out there plugging everything up.
The Patriots are having a really good offseason and they aren't done yet, and they will need for Wilfork to restructure to a more reasonable number to come to any agreement that keeps him here, that's a given, if he refuses to restructure they should release him and move on until they welcome him back for his Patriots HOF induction. However if he is willing to reach an agreement similar to what mgteich laid out earlier, around 5 a year for 3 seasons, then i want him back to finish his career here. Not for sentimentality, but because i think he can play a vital role in helping them win more Championships. One less gaping hole to fill and one more strength for the team to rely upon in getting them another ring or two.
I don't know if Wilfork will agree to a good restructure or not but i do trust Belichick to make the right decision on this and think that whether they release him or keep him it will be best move for them because this is really what belichick does best.