Vince WIlfork, one of the top nose tackles in the NFL, has been slapped with the franchise tag by the Patriots. New England designated the 6-2, 325-pound lineman as its franchise player in an effort to continue negotiations on a long-term contract.
Vince Wilfork Gets Franchise Tag From Patriots
"A long-term agreement with Vince Wilfork has been the team's top contractual priority for some time," the team said in a statement. "Unfortunately, despite numerous conversations and proposals, the goal has not yet been realized. Vince is a tremendous player for our team and remains a significant part of our future plans. It is because of Vince's importance to this organization that we have assigned the franchise designation as we continue to work toward a long-term agreement. We are hopeful that Vince will remain a Patriot for many years to come."
The team has failed to reach a long-term deal with the last four players they have designated with the franchise tag, according to the Boston Globe.
The non-exclusive tag allows Wilfork to negotiate with other clubs. But the Patriots have the opportunity to match any offer given to Wilfork. If the Pats don't match the offer, the club that signs Wilfork will have to send them two first-round picks.
Wilfork, who previously said the franchise tag would be “a slap in the face,“ just completed the final year of his rookie contracted and will make a little over $7 million this season.
The two-time Pro-Bowler is an important pawn in the Pats' 3-4 defense. Losing Wilfork would be a crushing blow for New England's defense, especially given the fact that the team dealt talented lineman Richard Seymour to the Raiders last season.
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