Big Vince Has Big Questions
"If the Patriots let Wilfork walk after already trading Seymour what kind of message does that send to other players in the locker room?"- Michael Felger
Patriots free agent nose tackle Vince Wilfork is unaware of an impending contract extension. In fact, he has had no contact with the Patriots since the season ended nearly a month ago. Wilfork is adamant he will not accept the franchise tender and is seeking a long-term deal to secure his future. Michael and Tony weigh in on Wilfork's options and the possibility he could leave New England.
Felger: "Let me just start off by saying that Vince Wilfork has done everything the Patriots have asked him over his six years in New England. He is performing at a Pro Bowl level and has been an extremely durable player over the years. He's a leader in that locker room and has been a leader in the community as well. However, I can't tell if all these things add up to the fans wanting him back because he's a good player or if the fans want to see the Patriots shell out some money. Look at the talent that has left here over the past several seasons especially on the defensive side of the ball. Looking at Asante Samuel, Richard Seymour, and Mike Vrabel alone over the past couple seasons that is some big time talent the Patriots have sorely missed. After Seymour was traded it was thought by many around these parts that it was to make room to resign Wilfork. If the Patriots let Wilfork walk after already trading Seymour what kind of message does that send to other players in the locker room? Every player in there who has a contract expiring is going to think am I going to be treated this way when it's my turn? So is this a question of Patriots fans being too happy with the player or unhappy with the way the team has done business? In my mind it has to do more with the fact the Patriots have been so stingy in negotiating with some of their key players that people around here want to see them start resigning talent. They need to adapt to the way business is changing in the NFL."
Mazz: "I can totally understand both sides of this argument Mike. What I mean is I see where the Patriots are coming from if they do decide to slap the franchise tag on Wilfork, but I also understand why Wilfork would hold out if that was the case. We have heard Wilfork talk about an extension in the past, he has been frustrated with the way the Patriots conduct business, but he is a professional and hasn't let those frustrations affect his play. For that I give him all the credit in the world. He has done everything expected of him in his time here and then some. However, this is a business and if I were the Patriots I'd consider doing two things. Vince has been a valuable employee of this organization for six years and if I'm his employer I have to reward his work ethic. I would consider offering him a contract somewhere in the neighborhood of four years and worth around $30 million. I would give him half of the deal, or somewhere in the neighborhood of $15 million in guaranteed money. If he chose to not accept that type of deal then I'd franchise him and trade him much like they did Matt Cassel."
The Collin-tary: If the Patriots were to franchise Vince Wilfork the one year contract would be worth $7.003 million. After the 2010 season Wilfork would then become a free agent once again, but this time hit the market at 29 years old. He will turn 30 one month into the 2011 season. Once NFL players, especially 325 pound nose tackles, turn 30 contracts in the NFL are negociated much differently. It will be nearly impossible for Vince to negotiate a long-term deal after this season due to his age and body type. There is also the potential for a work stoppage in the NFL in 2011 if a new collective bargaining agreement isn't reached. If this were to happen it would cost Wilfork another year of his career. This is precisely why if the Patriots use the franchise tag, and aren't willing to offer at least a four-year deal with half the money guaranteed, Wilfork will likely hold out. Free agents such as Deion Branch have had success with this strategy in the past eventually forcing a trade to another team willing to sign a long-term extension. However, if the Patriots are looking to rebuild their patented 3-4 defense in 2010, Wilfork is the foundation to build upon.
Should the Patriots franchise Vince Wilfork then trade him, resign him to a long term contract, or just let him go? Can the Patriots rebuild on defense without Wilfork?
