The dram that is behind the Vince Wilfolk contract negotiation took another twist yesterday when the team designated him their non-exclusive franchise player. This allows the Pats to continue to negotiate a long term extension with him. He is also free to negotiate with other clubs, but the Past can match the offer or receive two first round draft picks if they lose him. They also have him for 2010 at the "bargain basement" price of $7.003 million if no other team offers more.
Both parties are treading into murky waters. Wilfolk has stated that he wants a long term contract with the team. The Pats are issuing their typical statements, which by their history, amount to saying good bye.
They applied a similar tag to Assante Samuel in 2009 and Matt Cassell last year. They said the same things. Both players were gone before the start of the following season.
Wilfolk is the only player from the 2004 draft playing under his original six year contract. The league no longer allows rookie contracts of more than five years.
While the team is tyring to keep their salary structure in line, Wilfolk knows that it's now or never to secure the financial security that comes with a long term contract of $30-35 million with about $23 million guaranteed.
The lack of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement has also clouded the situation. Wilfolk has been the corner stone of the defensive line since being selected as the 21st pick in the 1st round of the 2004 draft. The former University of Miami player has played in 90 regular season games, with 80 as a starter.
Fans want to see this resolved as they realize that 2009 2nd round draft pick Ron Brace is not the answer to a good run stopper.
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