Just two weeks ago, a report surfaced that veteran defensive lineman Vince Wilfork asked the New England Patriots for his release (Wilfork even supposedly cleaned out his locker).
The Patriots were trying to get Wilfork to take a pay cut while they chased after other free agents.
They have been aggressive in free agency, signing former New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ cornerback Darrelle Revis, former Seattle Seahawks’ cornerback Brandon Browner and former Carolina Panthers’ wide receiver Brandon LaFell. Plus, they re-signed their leading receiver, Julian Edelman.
It looked like a messy divorce was inevitable, but instead, the Patriots and Wilfork have restructured his deal and he will remain with the Patriots for at least the next three years.
Wilfork took to twitter to express how happy he was to be remaining with the Patriots.
My thoughts pic.twitter.com/MUW3I3ml4Y
— Vince Wilfork (@wilfork75) March 27, 2014
Adam Schefter of ESPN broke the deal.
Patriots and DT Vince Wilfork restructured his contract. It's a new 3-year, $22.5M deal, per source. Wilfork stays a Patriot.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 27, 2014
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport offers more details.
Wilfork’s new deal is through 2016 and earns him the right to make $8M in 2014.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 27, 2014
Vince Wilfork’s new deal is for 3 years, averaging $7.5M per year. So, 3 years, $22.5M. $3M is guaranteed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 27, 2014
Wilfork tore his Achilles last year and only played in four games.