Patriots Have Reportedly Discussed an Extension With Vince Wilfork

[PatsFans.com Article]

Patriots Have Reportedly Discussed an Extension With Vince Wilfork
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Albert Breer of the NFL Network reported on Wednesday that the Patriots have had discussions with Vince Wilfork on a potential contract extension....

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[bagwell368]

I don't see how doing anything but cutting Wilfork works.

1. In 2013 he was playing below his peak of 2008-2012
2. The Pats are moving to (moved) to a system where they need pressure out of their DT's, not just holding the line. Now Wilfork can and did get penetration but not at the level of his more familiar role that he is literally built for.
3. His injury is tough to come back from, and even with positive press reports I don't believe even w/o the injury/surgery we were going to get $7.58M of performance out of him - the amount made available if he is cut.

I propose:

1. Cut him
2. Sign an impact penetrating LDE for most of the money. Gives us a good rotation at DE. Let Fletcher go and take the rest of the money from Wilfork and sign Woodyard for a very nice LB rotation.

Woodyard and a very good FA DE > Wilfork and Fletcher

There are a number of good DT's in the draft in the 2nd and 3rd round, draft one and then decide on Armstead and Kelly, if both can't play cut them, and pick up decent FA's and or camp cuts for depth. Siliga and the draft pick or Kelly or Armsted make for a decent pair of DT's and the other ones we have or will have should furnish a decent rotation pairing. Is it ideal? No. Is my plan better than keeping Wilfork and signing Fletcher - I think so.

 

[IcyPatriot]

Cannot believe how many in this forum want to can Wilfork ...

He doesn't need to pressure the QB ... he ties up 2 blockers and the the DT next to him can go.

Wilfork is still a top DT in the league and vital to our defensive system and as a captain in a defense that only has a few other vets.

 

[kennyb]

Cannot believe how many in this forum want to can Wilfork ...

He doesn't need to pressure the QB ... he ties up 2 blockers and the the DT next to him can go.

Wilfork is still a top DT in the league and vital to our defensive system and as a captain in a defense that only has a few other vets.

So you can attest that his achilles is healed up fine?

 

[SalemPats]

There's a lot of non-football people here who want Wilfork out, thankfully BB doesn't listen to them

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

With The Jet eating up most of our remaining cap, something has to happen with Wilfy soon

eDIT: Just now reading reports that option year, etc. may reduce The Jet's cap hit to single digit millions, less of a rush to force the Wilfork issue if so

 

[kennyb]

There's a lot of non-football people here who want Wilfork out, thankfully BB doesn't listen to them

I wouldn't expect him to "listen to me" or anyone on this board, including you. So that is a stupid thing to say.

You have no idea whether they'll keep him or not. If he's not healed up and he has to play on one leg, then he'll be CUT, imo. No one can say he's "one of the top DT in the league" right NOW. Maybe he used to be but Achilles injuries are often career ending or career limiting. I hope he's healed up fine but you have no idea.

Let's sign Ty Law and Stanley Morgan too. Can't believe how many know nothings have no faith in them. Those guys are ALL PRO!

 

[IcyPatriot]

So you can attest that his achilles is healed up fine?

There are available DT free agents that can be had for a good price just in case.

Wilfork is too talented and never has been known as lazy .. he deserves a chance to prove himself and we cannot replace his talent this coming year.

 

[patsfaninpa]

Thanks for the memories big fella. Cut him and sign Julius Peppers. Draft a big DT in Round 1. Still have room for a wr.

 

[Nunchucks]

I would definitely like to see him extended for 3 more years, turn some of his current salary to bonus and push it out over the next 3 years. Sure, he would have to take a pay cut, but I believe he will be effective for the Patriots int he middle.

 

[voluntarysaftey]

1. Cut him
2. Tell him we still want him, but don't want him to be insulted; so take a look around and see what the offers are and then get back to us
3. Sign or trade for a very good DE (maybe we use Ridley in a trade since he's basically done as a Patriot)
4. When Wilfork gets back to them with what he's been offered, offer 1-2m less than it -- give him a choice -- retire as a Pat, keep his status as a team leader, be comfortable, not have to move his family; or earn an extra 1-2m elsewhere

 

[signbabybrady]

So you can attest that his achilles is healed up fine?

Obviously no one without the medical can really answer that question but that goes both ways.

What I do know is that if the Patriots thought this was a career ending injury than there would be no discussions about extension and they probably already would have moved on and freed up the money.

Until otherwise notified I am going on the assumption that Vince will be healthy enough to play this year. Like any aging player and like any player coming off an injury you do have to question if he will be worth what you are spending but that is a far cry from the sentiment on this board that he is no longer worth anything.

Obviously it seems like a logical place to squeeze a few bucks but if we cant right now with the info that we have I would be more inclined to carry the heavy salary than to cut him. Hopefully we can come up with something that lessons this years number.

 

[varjao]

In season shape



A few weeks later

 

[mgteich]

So you would pay Wilfork $8M AND sign a DT to replace him in case he doesn't come back at full strength?

The elephant in the room is that Wilfork didn't look good BEFORE the injury last year.

In any case, the $8M compensation at the end of the contract was a trigger to the discussions now being held. No one but a few here (and Bianca) believe that Wilfork is worth $8M for his 2014 services. Even if Wilfork is deemed "healthy", the team needs an extension or they will cut him.

I don't know what will happen, or what should happen. What should NOT happen is Wilfork being paid $8M of 2014 cap money to play in 2014.

If the medical team give the go-ahead, then perhaps the team will sign a long term deal with at least $8M of guarantees. Of course, trusting our medical staff does not have a history of success.

There are available DT free agents that can be had for a good price just in case.

Wilfork is too talented and never has been known as lazy .. he deserves a chance to prove himself and we cannot replace his talent this coming year.

 

[PP2]

The elephant in the room is that Wilfork didn't look good BEFORE the injury last year.

He was playing injured prior to the heel tear. It's presumed that the injury Wilfork was trying to play through caused this tear.

 

[Rob0729]

In season shape



A few weeks later

Not to worry. The baby is due well before OTAs.

 

[IcyPatriot]

http://bostonherald.com/inside_trac...ce_wilfork_mary_catherine_deibel_kelly_olynyk

Wilfork 2 months ago ...

watch he'll end up a dolphin ......

 

[IcyPatriot]

Last month .... he looks smaller.

some team is going to get a good player .


Local Boy Scouts Meet New England Patriots player Vince Wilfork - Town Square - Nashua, NH Patch