The New England Patriots were expected to face some difficult salary cap decisions after signing Darrelle Revis on Wednesday, and it appears losing veteran nose tackle Vince Wilfork could be a consequence of bringing Revis on board. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday that Wilfork has asked the Patriots to release him.
Wilfork has been considered one of the most valuable defensive players in the NFL in his 10 seasons with the Patriots. He missed 14 games in 2013 (including playoffs) with a torn Achilles and the Patriots’ rush defense went from ninth-best in the league with him in 2012 to 30th-best without him for most of the year in 2013.
Wilfork was due to cost the Patriots $11.5 million against the salary cap in 2014. They would save about $8 million of that by cutting him. The ideal scenario would have been to get the five-time Pro Bowler to agree to restructure his contract, but it seems he is not interested in that.
New England knew Wilfork could wind up being a cap casualty this offseason. I’m sure Bill Belichick was hoping the 325-pounder would stick around for less money once the team signed Revis, but it doesn’t appear he was inspired by the big signing. Defensive line depth will be the next area the Patriots have to address.
