Vince Wilfork: new 3 year deal for $22.5m to stay with Patriots

[nattysez]

So I'm a bit lost -- if Vince can't be released because he is "on vacation," how did he request his release?  Wasn't that this week?
 
Maybe the Pats hope that when he returns from vacation rested and ready, they can sit down and have a conversation with him.  Isn't it possible his agent is just playing hardball?

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

So I'm a bit lost -- if Vince can't be released because he is "on vacation," how did he request his release?  Wasn't that this week?

 
That's what I was wondering myself. Did he request his release via Instagram? Thai taxi? Homing pigeons?

 

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

 
That's what I was wondering myself. Did he request his release via Instagram? Thai taxi? Homing pigeons?

 

 

[soxfan121]

 
That's what I was wondering myself. Did he request his release via Instagram? Thai taxi? Homing pigeons?

 
Rapsheet only reports the highest quality of overheard conversations with people who might have seen Vince Wilfork in person during the last calendar year.

 

[Reverend]

Why would he be on vacation the day free agency starts if he knows--or should know--that the team is probably going to ask him about restructuring? Is he in an adult hockey league or something?

 

[DJnVa]

The Pats have done nothing yet, as you note.

I'm detecting sentiment here to bludgeon Vince into a favorable restructure in order to lessen dead money hit. You would try to do that, if you wanted, by holding on to him until pool of FA money evaporates. I think it would be wrong and stupid given Vince's contributions, character and stature here.

 
Okay...I'm clear. This notion of the Pats as a "bad guy" is from something they haven't actually done.
 
 
 

So I'm a bit lost -- if Vince can't be released because he is "on vacation," how did he request his release?
 

 
Unless he's on that Malaysia airliner, it's not like he gone off the grid here.

 

[Ed Hillel]

So I'm a bit lost -- if Vince can't be released because he is "on vacation," how did he request his release?  Wasn't that this week?
 
Maybe the Pats hope that when he returns from vacation rested and ready, they can sit down and have a conversation with him.  Isn't it possible his agent is just playing hardball?

 
I assume it was via cell phone to the Patriots, which someone from the Pats leaked to the Rapmeister.
 
As for "bludgeoning Vince into staying", I think it likely has to do more with either the fact that Vince isn't here in person yet or that Bill would want to see if a few other teams (cough, Denver and Indy) spend up to their cap before they release him.

 

[lexrageorge]

I can quickly come up with reasons why the Pats have not yet released Wilfork:
 
1.) The Pats feel that there is still some room for negotiation.  IOW, the request for release could have been an emotional reaction to where the negotiations stood at the time. Maybe Vince's agent feels the same way. 
 
2.) They want to give him the news in person first, even if it means waiting a few days.  
 
3.) They don't need the cap space immediately, and want more information on how his ankle has healed before doing anything. This was the Mike Reiss theory, and he's usually more credible than Rapdork.
 
4.) Wilfork never made the demand in the first place, which is possible given the source. 
 
None of them involve the Patriots being jerks. 

 

[tims4wins]

Reiss / Schefter
 
Edit: this is good news IMO
 

On Vince Wilfork: There has been some speculation that perhaps Wilfork’s request for the Patriots to cut him was somehow tied to the team handing out big money to Darrelle Revis, but Schefter says that is not the case.

“Revis and Wilfork are completely unrelated,” he said. “What happened was Vince Wilfork told the Patriots weeks ago, days ago, a long time ago, 'I am not taking a pay cut, I’m not doing that.’ So now New England is in a situation much like the Dallas Cowboys were when DeMarcus Ware said ‘I’m not going to take a pay cut.’

“So you get into these situations where the agent’s got to figure out the player’s value. He’s got to call around and say ‘Hey what’s Vince Wilfork worth to you on the open market? If he were to be free what would you be willing to pay him.’ You get a general idea of what your client would be worth on the open market.”

Schefter explained that Wilfork’s agent would compare the feedback he got from other teams to the restructured deal the Patriots are offering and decide from there the preferred route.

“Right now they’re in a standoff,” Schefter said. “The way it was described to me last night, it’s probably best for Vince Wilfork just to take a step back and we’ll see how the situation plays out. It’s not like we’re going to get an answer on this today. ... This is something that is its own negotiation even though he’s under contract.”

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

I'd like to think it's none of the above. I'm hoping:
 
Team tells Vince "I'll tell you what. Here's our offer for a restructured deal. We sign you to a 2nd year, drop your salary to $5.5 this year and $5.5 next year with some performance clauses built in. Go shop that offer around. If you can do better, we wish you well. Otherwise, make the smart business move and come back to the team."
 
I think the market for him will be pretty low, and the Patriots know it. This gives Vince a chance to play for "top dollar" and still allows the team to keep him if the market doesn't materialize (which it shouldn't).
 
Edit: Or what Shefter said in the post above mine (damn you Scuba Steve!)

 

[PaulinMyrBch]

I agree with Schefter.
 
It's a slap in the face if one team low balls you, but if 32 teams don't offer more money, its just a big fat dose of reality. Then its a matter of where you want to play, not how much.

 

[Devizier]

 
That's what I was wondering myself. Did he request his release via Instagram? Thai taxi? Homing pigeons?

You joke, but those motorbike taxis are fast.

 

[PaulinMyrBch]

I can request the Kate Upton drive over to my house and give me a blow job, not doing me much good unless she's so inclined. Balls in the Pats court.

 

[Carmine Hose]

 
He’s got to call around and say ‘Hey what’s Vince Wilfork worth to you on the open market? If he were to be free what would you be willing to pay him.’ You get a general idea of what your client would be worth on the open market.”

Schefter explained that Wilfork’s agent would compare the feedback he got from other teams to the restructured deal the Patriots are offering and decide from there the preferred route.
 

Is that not tampering with a player under contract?

 

[ShaneTrot]

I agree with Schefter.
 
It's a slap in the face if one team low balls you, but if 32 teams don't offer more money, its just a big fat dose of reality. Then its a matter of where you want to play, not how much.

Sort of like Welker last year. He made less in 2013 than he made on the franchise tag in 2012. You can take less from your new team than you would have made with your old team. Sometimes saving face costs more.

 

[DJnVa]

Is that not tampering with a player under contract?

 
If the Patriots give him persmission, I would assume it's fine. And there's no reason the Pats wouldn't because he's going to come back with either a really good offer and then the Pats can release him, or he's going to see his market and worth isn't what he thought and perhaps they work something out.

 

[Ed Hillel]

To be fair, Welker got less guaranteed money from Denver (12 million, 6 guaranteed), but that doesn't mean he'll end up making less. If he plays this year with Denver, he'll make 20% more than he could have under New England's contract (10 million, 8 guaranteed, which basically sounds like 10 million guaranteed). Or, if he gets cut, all he needs to do is get more than 4 million for this year, and he will have made more.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

BJ Raji apparently just resigned with the Pack for about 1/4 so that should give some indication of Wilfork's market (or the lack thereof).  Raji has been relatively poor recently but he's not 33 and coming off an Achilles injury.

 

[BigJimEd]

 
If the Patriots give him persmission, I would assume it's fine. And there's no reason the Pats wouldn't because he's going to come back with either a really good offer and then the Pats can release him, or he's going to see his market and worth isn't what he thought and perhaps they work something out.

The bolded is a reason they may not want to. If the pats prefer to have Wilfork back at a lower deal they don't want him to get a good offer from some other team. 
 
While it may be tampering, I suspect agents talk to other teams in a situation like this whether they have permission or not.

 

[j44thor]

I'd like to think it's none of the above. I'm hoping:
 
Team tells Vince "I'll tell you what. Here's our offer for a restructured deal. We sign you to a 2nd year, drop your salary to $5.5 this year and $5.5 next year with some performance clauses built in. Go shop that offer around. If you can do better, we wish you well. Otherwise, make the smart business move and come back to the team."
 
I think the market for him will be pretty low, and the Patriots know it. This gives Vince a chance to play for "top dollar" and still allows the team to keep him if the market doesn't materialize (which it shouldn't).
 
Edit: Or what Shefter said in the post above mine (damn you Scuba Steve!)

 
I think he would take that in a heartbeat.  Highly unlikely he is getting 11/2 on the open market when no one knows if he will even be ready to go by opening day.
 
More likely NE wants to bring him down to the vet min or very close with significant games played bonuses that might get him into the 5M neighborhood.
 
How many 33YO NT have come back from an achilles tear to perform at a high level?  That is the giant Elephant in the room that no one is addressing.  He might not be able to play again.  I would have felt better if it was an ACL/MCL since Vince doesn't really rely on making sharp cuts.  The initial burst is really everything to a NT and that puts a lot of stress on the ankle.  I know next to nothing about an achilles tear and expected recovery so it would be great if someone more knowledgeable would chime in on the likelihood of recovery and what can be expected from Vince next season and beyond.  
 
This all doesn't even begin to touch upon the fact he might have been falling off a cliff before the injury.  He wasn't exactly the dominant Vince to start the season, could be small sample, could the the results of a ridiculous amount of wear and tear from 10yrs on the DL.  

 

[tims4wins]

Right, plus he was on the field for like 85% of snaps from 2010-2012. Tons of wear and tear. He ain't getting more than a non guaranteed one year deal at $4 or $5m max including incentives.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

Not sure if this is a joke or not but hardy has been on vacation this week.

@hardy985: Just spoke with @wilfork75 for a minute @Atlantisresort . Told me, "It'll work itself out. It always does."

 

[soxfan121]

Not sure if this is a joke or not but hardy has been on vacation this week.

@hardy985: Just spoke with @wilfork75 for a minute @Atlantisresort . Told me, "It'll work itself out. It always does."

 
I trust Hardy much, much more than Rapshitter.
 
And while you can read that almost any way you want, patience is probably the right course for everyone.

 

[SMU_Sox]

First of all 1) Atlantis is an amazing place. Overpriced? Sure. But it is a blast. Take your kids and enjoy the memories.
 
That being said (P&G thread) I think Vince could land a 2/16 type deal. with 12 guaranteed somewhere. That to me is his ceiling given his injury and age situation. He's not worth the money. Frankly you could go heavy DT/TE/OL/SS in the draft with all of our picks and be ok. Plus who here didn't like Quick Silver as mini Vince last year?

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

I don't think Vince comes close to sniffing that sort of bank.

 

[SMU_Sox]

Ok. My guess for on on the market? 2/12 with 6 guaranteed.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

Mine: One year with a team option, 5 mill gtd. first year.

 

[Stitch01]

2/8, 4 guaranteed

 

[bankshot1]

I'll take the middle
 
2/10MM -4.5MM gtd. 
 
2014
3 million bonus
1.5 million salary 
0.5 million game incentive 
 
2015 $5M non-gtd. 

 

[tims4wins]

I still don't see why any team would guarantee him anything. But I guess we'll find out in due time.

 

[mwonow]

I still don't see why any team would guarantee him anything. But I guess we'll find out in due time.

 
Well, the Pats could guarantee him the cap hit, since that money's spent anyway, couldn't they?

 

[Klostrophobic]

Why does anyone think he'll even be able to play again? He's a 320 pound guy who just blew out his achilles tendon. I'd just do whatever cost the least amount of money, whether that's cutting him outright or just guaranteeing him the cap hit, like mwonow suggests.
 
But then again, Suggs and Crabtree seemed to come back from similar injuries without much issue so what do I know.

 

[Ed Hillel]

 
Well, the Pats could guarantee him the cap hit, since that money's spent anyway, couldn't they?

 
No. That cap hit is from a bonus he was already paid. If they pay him 3.5 million base this year, his cap hit would jump to 7, it wouldn't remain at 3.5.
 
 
 

Suggs and Crabtree seemed to come back from similar injuries without much issue so what do I know.

 
I wouldn't say it's impossible, but definitely unlikely. Vince is older and heavier than those two. If he wouldn't take a base of 2.5 to 3 million this year (6-6.5 against the cap), I would cut him.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

If Vince is let go before too long, Pat Sims is still out there. Could be one of the few space eaters available before the draft.

 

[Super Nomario]

Jason Peters is a similarly massive human being who returned from two Achilles surgeries to have a successful, healthy 2013.

 

[DaveRoberts'Shoes]

I think people are underestimating the potential for a return to form by Wilfork due to this injury. He is massive, no doubt, but his tendons are used to that kind of strain - it's not like he tore it and they replaced it with a 120-pound woman's tendon. Will he have to rehab it? Of course, but he's been doing that with the best equipment and therapists available. And he's really not "old" - he's NFL old, but in terms of this injury he's very young.

Long story short, he's no doubt not worth his cap hit under his current contract, but don't shovel dirt on his career just yet, either.

 

[lambeau]

Valuable medical opinion.
No release yet--and Vince saying "It'll work out."
I'm thinking that saying "Release me," and then going on vacation is a counter-move to the offer.(Does he really want to miss free agency while the teams have money to spend?)
They're negotiating.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

Can the pats just give him a bogus option for next year ala Revis so Vince gets all his money this year but spread out the cap hit?

Not sure they would just wondering if it's an option.

 

[Reverend]

Can the pats just give him a bogus option for next year ala Revis so Vince gets all his money this year but spread out the cap hit?

Not sure they would just wondering if it's an option.

 
If I'm not mistaken, that would only save them $1.6m as all that would be extended would be what remains of his bonus (which is the dead money) which is $3.6m. And it might piss off the league.

 

[Super Nomario]

Can the pats just give him a bogus option for next year ala Revis so Vince gets all his money this year but spread out the cap hit?

Not sure they would just wondering if it's an option.

I don't think they can do anything about the bonus money already counting against the cap this year ($3.6 MM), since it's the fifth year of a previously-signed deal and you can only spread bonus money across five seasons. They could probably convert most of the $8 MM in salary into bonuses now so half of it counts against the cap now and half next year. They'd have to throw in some non-guaranteed money next year to make the AAV look good. So something like:
 
2014: $3.6 MM (bonus from old contract) + ~$1 MM (vet min salary) + $3.5 MM (salary converted to bonus) = $8.1 MM cap figure
2015: $3.5 MM (salary converted to bonus) + ~$8 MM salary (making up a number) = $11.5 MM cap figure
 
I'm guessing Vince would do this, but it doesn't save a lot of cap space, plus it puts everyone in the same boat next season.
 
I think the thing that makes the most sense is to cut his salary drastically this season, but putting most of it in playing time incentives so Vince can earn most of that $11.5 MM if he's healthy and playing at a high level, but the team is protected if he's damaged goods. Maybe they can structure that in terms of a roster bonus for next year so it counts against the 2015 cap instead. The challenge is finding something Vince will agree to.

 

[Ed Hillel]

I hate to do this, but since he is 1 for 1 with his "inside sources" I'm going to give the guy a chance:
 
 
 

I can tell you Wilfork will be back with the Patriots. I assume after a restructure. I don't know the details yet.

 
https://twitter.com/jerrythornton1/status/446653307990605824
 
He also says the Pats will be signing one of Blount/Moreno. Like I said, sorry if he ends up being FoS, but I'll give the guy a chance, even if only for his Twitter war with Borges (who is ragging on the Revis signing LOL). He also called LaFell first, I believe.

 

[nattysez]

Kraft met with the media today and represented that he wants Wilfork back.  
 
https://twitter.com/MikeReiss/status/448145053907947521
https://twitter.com/MikeReiss/status/448145699541360640
https://twitter.com/MikeReiss/status/448145887785922560
https://twitter.com/MikeReiss/status/448146237481820161

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

Probably time for a thread title change, given that said request may not have occurred at all and the dynamics of the situation are pretty different by now anyway.

 

[dbn]

Probably time for a thread title change, given that said request may not have occurred at all and the dynamics of the situation are pretty different by now anyway.

 
I was also under that impression (thanks to this thread) but Reiss writes as recently as yesterday as if it had.
 
from a March 23 blog post:

Wilfork has asked the team to release him, but the team hasn't obliged the request at this point as the situation has simmered with Wilfork having been out of the country on vacation.
 

 

[Corsi]

Following the initial discussion between the Patriots and Vince Wilfork over altering his contract, the nose tackle not only asked for his release, but also made a stop in the locker room to grab his belongings before walking out of Gillette Stadium.
 
According to two sources, an angry Wilfork ripped his name plate off his locker stall, and cleaned out his locker. That's how Big Vince felt about the proceedings. Naturally, time and distance can change perspective, but Wilfork seemed convinced he was done in New England.
 

http://bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/the_blitz/2014/03/sources_wilfork_has_already_cleaned_out_locker

 

[dcmissle]

I wouldn't be changing the thread title yet. No doubt, Guregian is reporting the above with a broad smile. But although she loves bad news, I don't think she is into making stuff up.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

Big Vince needs to get a grip on the current state on the NFL and the CBA. He's made 32 million of the 40 in his contract, he got hurt and everyone knows the last 1-2 years of the contract is crap and will be ripped up 95% of the time. If he doesn't realize this, then he's in denial or a moron. He seems like a much more reasonable person than this and has much more business sense. 

 

[Ed Hillel]

Big Vince needs to get a grip on the current state on the NFL and the CBA. He's made 32 million of the 40 in his contract, he got hurt and everyone knows the last 1-2 years of the contract is crap and will be ripped up 95% of the time. If he doesn't realize this, then he's in denial or a moron. He seems like a much more reasonable person than this and has much more business sense. 

 
We don't know where he stands, though. If Belichick is asking him to make 2 million bucks this year, I can see him not wanting any part of it. If he's offering him 5 or 6, I'd tend to agree with you, though I still could see his being angry if this is money he's perceived as having earned throughout his career here. I wouldn't agree with him, but I could at least understand.

 

[Reardon's Beard]

Sounds like Vince is leveraging everything he possibly can to get the best possible restructured contract.
 
Or new contract.

 

[mulluysavage]

I love the idea that requesting his release and then cleaning out his locker are negotiating moves. I'm with the brass on letting a player go a year early rather than a year late, and how they go for it both now and later through shrewd decisions that may alienate players and fans. Fan favorites and loyal soldiers can also play that game, they also own the power they command in the locker room and the stands. He brought out Kraft to play good cop. Go Vince.