Vince Wilfork announces Patriots won't pick up 2015 option
Vince Wilfork announced Thursday that the New England Patriots will not pick up his option for the 2015 season, signaling the end of his 11-year run with the franchise.
Wilfork, 33, started every game in 2014, including the Patriots' 28-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX.
The five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle was due $8 million in 2015, including a $4 million roster bonus that was due Tuesday. The Patriots were roughly $11 million over the cap before this move.
"I want to take this time to just let everyone know that I was informed on Tuesday that the patriots will not be picking up mu option," Wilfork wrote in a statement. "I'm in a good place I have a great relationship with the Patriots organization.
"I will take my time (to) think things through take into consideration many things but mainly my family and see where life goes from there ... But regardless remember I will always remain a New Englander a Patriot forever."
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A respected locker room leader, beloved fixture in the community and a still disruptive, run-stuffing presence in the interior of the line, Wilfork is moving on and isn't sure if he's done with football. A class act, he thanked Patriots fans for his time in New England, which included two Lombardi trophies.
The 21st pick in the 2004 draft, Wilfork has the option — like Hall of Famers John Elway, Michael Strahan and Jerome Bettis did — to retire having just earned a Super Bowl ring if he chooses.
"Can I still play football? Hell yea! Do I still love football? Hell yea!," Wilfork wrote. "One thing for sure is I will always be a fixture in New England forever..This will always be home!! I won a Super Bowl my rookie year I won one this year!! One major injury lots of gas still left in the tank.''
The 6-1, 325-pounder could still have value for a team such as the Detroit Lions if Ndamukong Suh moves on in free agency. Wilfork rang up 19 sacks, three interceptions and 102 tackles in 167 games including playoffs.
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