NFL Rumors: New England Patriots could still keep Vince Wilfork
One of the more surprising things to come out of the first week of free agency was that veteran defensive lineman Vince Wilfork was going to ask the New England Patriots for his release.
Although it looked like there was going to be an ugly ending to this long relationship, ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss, the two sides could still come to a resolution.
"With owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick scheduled to speak with reporters at the NFL’s annual meeting in Orlando on Monday and Tuesday, the status of veteran defensive tackle Vince Wilfork figures to be a hot topic. 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. After the initial flurry of free-agent signings by the team, Wilfork’s status is the next big issue to resolve between now and the draft. One line of thinking is that the longer it goes, perhaps there’s a greater chance for resolution. But I still think anything is possible and it will be interesting to hear what Kraft, in particular, has to say about Wilfork’s future with the club."
Wilfork was originally drafted by the Patriots with the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2004 Draft. He played in just four games last season after tearing his Achilles.