Wilfork gets his franchise tag
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on February 22, 2010 12:58 PM ET
We've read a lot about New England having a "tough decision" to make about possibly franchising Vince Wilfork, but the decision always seemed like a matter of when, not if.

Shalise Manza Young of the Providence Journal tweeted that she's "hearing" that Monday will be the day it happens.

A short while later, Comcast Sports New England's Tom Curran confirmed that Wilfork has indeed been tagged. The paperwork was filed Monday.

Curran spoke with Wilfork's agent Kennard McGuire earlier Monday. McGuire simply said they are taking things "one day at a time."

Using the tag now, of course, doesn't prevent a long-term deal from occurring later this offseason, which is Wilfork's ultimate goal. The Patriots just had to make sure that long-term contract didn't come with any other team first.

Not surprised in the least bit. I would have been stunned if they had not put the franchise tag on him.

One dream down, about 10 more to go.

Heck, Belichick is too smart to let him go to an AFC East team. This way he either pays him, hammers out contract, or works out a trade for him that is beneficial to both he and Wilfork. That is why I was surprised that some of the members here thought we actually had a snowball's chance in hell of getting him.

Yep... see Matt Cassel last year. They'll move Wilfork for picks most likely.

Belichik did this with Cassel because of the unique position they were in with Cassel having a solid year while Brady was out. Cassel, at that point, had good market value, so Belichick capitalized on that because Cassel was not needed. With the Patriots defense struggling, I expect them to hold on to Wilfork who is possibly the best NT in the game right now.

Well it depends on if they're willing to pay him a big contract... if not, they'll probably move him.

The Pats love draft picks... Just see last years draft.

Al Davis is on the phone right now negotiating the Raiders 1st round draft picks for the next 5 years to get Wilfork.

Wilfork cannot run a 3.5 40 yard dash. Therefore, I think you are mistaken.

touche'