It looks as if the dispute between the New England Patriots and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vince Wilfork has come to an end.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the two sides agreed to a restructured contract that amounts to a three-year deal worth $22.5 million. The deal is essentially a one-year, $8 million contract, per the report, as the final two years of the deal are option years. NFL.com reported the deal includes only $3 million in guaranteed money, and the remaining $5 million is contingent on on-the-field incentives, as Wilfork returns from a torn Achilles’ tendon.
Vince Wilfork’s new deal with Patriots really is a one-year, $8M deal that includes $3M guaranteed and deal has an option for 2 more years.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 27, 2014
Wilfork, 33, reportedly cleaned out his locker and ripped the name plate off the stall around this time last week, as he was so angry by his contract situation with the team. According to reports, Wilfork was “convinced” his time in New England was over.
He previously asked for his release from the team after the Patriots approached the veteran about re-doing his current deal. At the time, the team was still attempting to re-sign cornerback Aqib Talib and wide receiver Julian Edelman, and was in need of salary cap relief.
A day after the locker incident and two weeks removed from the initial reports of a desired release, ESPN Boston reported the two sides were talking. Team owner Robert Kraft publicly stated he hoped Wilfork would be a part of the Patriots in 2014
Without Wilfork, the Patriots’ defensive line was not nearly as effective. With the return of Wilfork and a healthy Jerod Mayo, as well as the additions of Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in the defensive backfield, the Patriots’ defense has a chance to really rebound from a rough 2013 campaign.
While the Wilfork situation was in limbo, we identified Notre Dame’s Louis Nix III as a potential target of the Patriots‘ in May’s NFL Draft. With Wilfork back in the fold, it’s unknown how the team’s draft plans are affected. The XN Mock Draft 1.0 pegs Texas Tech tight end Jace Amaro as a likely Choice B.
