Following the New England Patriots' opening round loss to the Baltimore Ravens, NT Vince Wilfork told ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss that he does not want to be franchise-tagged, and that he could see himself playing for another team next season. On Wednesday morning, Reiss wrote that the way it's shaping up, Wilfork is now "likely to be assigned the franchise tag." Sorry, Vince.
But according to the Boston Herald, there won't be any developments on this front for another couple week: sources claim that Bill Belichick has told two players who aren't under contract for 2010 that we won't negotiate with them until February.
If Wilfork is not tagged or re-signed, he will likely be one of the top free agents on the market this offseason, especially given the prevalence of the 3-4 defense, and the need for a nose tackle in that scheme. Given that, the Dolphins, Broncos and Bills (who may be switching to a 3-4) might take a look, and it's also possible that the Chiefs -- a.k.a. Pats West -- will be interested.

Wilfork has previously said that he's open to a return to the Sunshine State, per Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. "Florida is home to me. Who wouldn't want to play at home?"

This would be absolutely mind blowingly huge for us... IF it happens

...and probably a mind blowing amount of $$$$$$$$.

If I could add anyone that becomes available this off-season, it would be him. He gets double teamed and still makes the plays. I doubt that the Pats will let him go.

If they do their defense will continue to whittle into nothing.

It would be a win-win for us. Weaken the Pats and make our defensive front a force to reckon with. A lot of ifs but you never know.

I agree... Question is... how much is he gonna ask assuming he becomes a FA?

Link?

Good question, but it would be worth it no? Very hard position to fill...

If I were Belichick I would franchise him, too. I really don't see how he ends up in the AFC East. Belichick will do his best to trade him out of the division and would probably take less for him to do so.

iam sorry but how much we want him

"the guy is not coming " sorry thats how i see it!!!!!!!!
wilfork if he ever does move???
is not going to a division rival

Of course he would make our D much better in the middle.

But then again, every 3-4 team in the league, and likely quite a few 4-3 teams, is thinking the same thing. If we get him, we'll have to pay a very large sum of cash.

I would pay a large amount of $$ for Wilfork. NT is one of the most important positions on our team (offense or defense) and a dominant NT needs to be one of the highest paid players on our team. I'd do almost anything to get Wilfork. And while I wouldnt say "I dont see them letting Wilfork go" because they are known for letting the money-wanters roam free, I still wouldn't bet on him not being in a Pats uni next seasone either.

..

I think moley is phinsplace....

Ah. That explains it.

Its from the ESPN insiders so i figured the link would be worthless to most unless you are a member

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/features/rumors

If they did let him walk they might get a compensatory pick for him. Not his worth but still something.

I would be stunned if New England did not put the franchise tag on Vince.

If by some miracle the Pats did not franchise Vince, you are talking about one of if not the elite 3-4 NT in the league and he is under 30 years old. You go and GET Vince Wilfork.

took the words right out of my mouth

sorry to disappoint you all

moley is moley !!!!!!!!!!!!!

not any other person [who i guess was named some one else]

pure and simple iam the mole



if you dont think not ,have a look on 3/4 other dolphin forums and my name is the same
and been there for a few years

I don't see how the Pats wouldn't franchise him........I also don't see them allowing an AFC East team to get him. He probably is not leaving NE and is just positioning himself to get the biggest contract he can from NE.

True that.

Either way he is going to be a rich man, as franchising him is going to cost TONS for NE because of the contract Albert Haynesworth got last off season.

He Stays right there with the F stamped on his head.

I agree. They let Seymour go expecting this before the season began. Franchised he will be

this might be a reason they let wilfork go. they did invest a second round pick in ron brace last year, a guy a lot of people on this board were high on. if NE gets a team to offer them what OAK offered last year, i think they'd take their chances, especially if the pick is for this years draft.

i think if wilfork looks for a lot of money, say top 5 at the position, NE seeks trade partners (and not in the division). maybe raiders will give up this years first rounder for him, giving NE a top 5 pick and the 22 pick. maybe a team like KC, DEN, or ATL will go after trading for him for the fact of the ties with NE.

i say we go after the player that NE traded away last year. Richard Seymour, to my knowledge, has not signed any extension in OAK and is scheduled to become a free agent (not sure if it would be restricted or not). this is a guy who is probably still sour over being traded from NE to OAK, and would probably salivate over being able to play his former team twice a year. this is also a guy who is very durable, a hybrid type player (DE/DT) that will be able to give our 3-4 defense a lot of different looks. he would add depth and leadership to the defensive line.

i also say that we bring him in because he was one of my favorite players coming into the league, seeing as i am a UGA fan, and its always fun having players from your college team on your favorite pro team.

all that being said, the jets will probably get him.

If Wilfork comes to Miami I will make pee pee time in my pants. Then I'll buy advance tickets to the 2010 SB.