Vince Wilfork says the Patriots won't pick up his option

The New England Patriots decided not to pick up the option on defensive tackle Vince Wilfork's contract, he announced on social media on Thursday.

Author:
SI Wire
Publish date:
Mar 5, 2015

The New England Patriots decided not to pick up the option on defensive tackle Vince Wilfork's contract, he announced on social media on Thursday. Willfork will become a free agent and is eligible to sign with any team.

Wilfork and the Patriots restructured the veteran's contract prior to last season. The two sides agreed on a one-year deal with a two-year option. In parting ways with Wilfork, the Patriots will save about $8 million in cap space.

New England would be open to bringing back Wilfork on a reduced contract, according to a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Top 25 NFL Free Agents of 2015

Ndamukong Suh, DT, Detroit (Age 28)

Could be the best defensive free agent to hit market since Reggie White in 1993. A disruptive force rushing the passer and stuffing the run. Must be accounted for on every snap. Has started every game in his career (suspended for two).

Devin McCourty, FS, New England (Age 28)

Settled the Patriots’ troubled secondary when he switched from cornerback to free safety in middle of 2012 season. Fast, smart, unselfish and durable, McCourty is rock-solid in middle of field. Can also cover top TEs when needed.

Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay (Age 25)

Dynamic offensive talent who can make plays lined up at any spot, and on special teams. Durability is knock (he missed 10 games with a broken leg in 2010), but he’s played at least 15 games in three of his four seasons.

Julius Thomas, TE, Denver (Age 27)

When he’s on the field and healthy, Thomas is among the toughest matchups at the position, especially in the red zone (24 TDs in 27 games over the past two seasons). But he hasn’t yet proven to be durable, and that’s a concern.

Byron Maxwell, CB, Seattle (Age 27)

Has been to two Super Bowls starting opposite Richard Sherman, so Maxwell sees a lot of action and produced 24 passes defensed and six interceptions over the past two seasons. A long and physical player at 6-1, 207 pounds, he’ll fit some schemes but not all.

Jerry Hughes, DE, Buffalo (Age 27)

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Jason Worilds, OLB, Pittsburgh (Age 27)

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Pernell McPhee, OLB, Baltimore (Age 26)

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Jeremy Maclin, WR, Philadelphia (Age 27)

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Mike Iupati, G, San Francisco (Age 28)

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Bryan Bulaga, RT, Green Bay (Age 26)

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Nick Fairley, DT, Detroit (Age 27)

Powerful and talented interior force who can rush passer and stop the run when he wants to—or is on the field (has missed 16 games in his four seasons). No question about potential. Can someone unlock it?

Brandon Flowers, CB, San Diego (Age 29)

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Derrick Morgan, OLB, Tennessee (Age 26)

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DeMarco Murray, RB, Dallas (Age 27)

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Greg Hardy, DE, Carolina (Age 27)

Ferocious pass rusher who had 26 sacks over ’12 and ’13 seasons. Plays the run just as well. After high-profile domestic violence case, teams will tread carefully and likely won’t guarantee much of his contract.

Brian Orakpo, OLB, Washington (Age 29)

Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Hasn’t finished two of the past three seasons, but is among most consistent and productive pass rushers in league when healthy.

Rodney Hudson, C, Kansas City (Age 26)

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Brandon Graham, OLB, Philadelphia (Age 27)

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Jared Odrick, DT, Miami (Age 27)

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Buster Skrine, CB, Cleveland (Age 26)

An aggressive cornerback who can be boom or bust, Skrine isn’t afraid of competition (he held off first-round pick Justin Gilbert last season). Performed well in a defense that puts pressure on its cornerbacks. Better player than people think.

Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore (Age 26)

One of better deep threats in league, but has some limits as a short and intermediate receiver, and can drop some easy passes. Will appeal to vertical teams.

Kareem Jackson, CB, Houston (Age 27)

A first-round pick in 2010, Jackson got off to a very slow start, but he’s rebounded to become a good outside cornerback with a nose for the ball. A little small, so won’t fit all schemes.

Davon House, CB, Green Bay (Age 26)

A very talented player with good size (6-1, 195 pounds), House has produced when healthy, but he’s missed 10 games over past three seasons with unlucky injuries. Somebody is going to see the potential and take the leap.

Charles Clay, TE, Miami (Age 26)

A multi-dimensional athlete who can line up anywhere from fullback to receiver and cause problems for a defense. Averaged 63.5 catches the past two seasons. An emerging talent.

"I'm in a good place I have a great relationship with the Patriots organization," Wilfork said in a message posted to his Twitter account. "Please know how blessed my family and I have been to be able to play 11 years in New England for a amazing organization." He added, "Can I still play football? Hell yea! do I still love football? Hell yea ! One thing for sure is I will always be a fixture in New England forever ...."

Wilfork, 33, started 16 games last season after playing only four in 2013 due to a torn Achilles. With Wilfork anchoring their defensive line, the Patriots ranked eighth in the league in rushing yards allowed per carry.

Wilfork won two Super Bowls with the Patriots and appeared in four.

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