Robert Kraft is re-recruiting Vince Wilfork, hope not completely lost for return
This was the first new news we had on the Patriots star nose tackle since Adam Schefter suggested the possibility that all was not lost between Wilfork and the Patriots.
However, when a report surfaced that the big man had cleared out his locker and ripped off his name plate at Gillette, it seemed a sure thing that Wilfork would be wearing a different uniform next season.
Some observations from the media today seem to suggest otherwise.
Kraft's comments yesterday made it clear that the Patriots organization at least had the want to get Wilfork to stay, and a report from Ian Rappaport suggests that they are taking action on that.
If you're curious about slight optimism emerging from #Patriots about Vince Wilfork, Robert Kraft and Vince have spoken. He's re-recruiting
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 25, 2014Additionally, Bill Belichick spoke at the annual coach's breakfast today and, while he didn't have much to say on Wilfork, he did suggests that the media "verify" whether or not Wilfork ever actually asked for his release.
Tom Curran, CSNNE:
I contacted Wilfork who replied, “I will respond to all media for FIRST TIME after my fate is determined!!!!”...
...As we reported Monday night, Wilfork was given an offer that would allow him to realize his $7.6 million salary in 2014 if he was able to hit playing time thresholds.
Between Belichick cautioning reporters to “verify”, Wilfork stating his pending comments will be his “FIRST” remarks and owner Robert Kraft saying Monday he “surely hopes” that Wilfork will remain with the team, there seems to be a cooling off in progress since Wilfork cleaned out his locker and took down his nameplate.
What’s emerged in the past 18 hours is that, while the situation with Wilfork isn’t ideal, it is salvageable.
The team looks to save $8 million by cutting Vince Wilfork and his over $11 million salary. However, the 31 year old nose tackle isn't likely to get that $11 million figure on the open market if he is granted release.
The Patriots asking Wilfork to restucture was met with some controversy because he missed the majority of the year due to injury. Still, it's not exactly uncommon for teams to ask their players to take a paycut after injury and the Pats would've approached their star about the same thing whether he played the entire year or not. Currently the team has around $5,144,036 (according to patscap.com) with some holes on the roster they've yet to fill.
