This was posted today on Pro Football Talk:
Patriots intent on extending NT Wilfork
The word we’re hearing out Boston is that it’s only a matter of time before the Patriots begin negotiating a new contract with NT Vince Wilfork. Wilfork’s rookie deal extends through 2009, but the coaches’ belief that he’s the most important cog in their defensive scheme is reason enough for them to be particularly proactive in locking him up. However, a deal for Wilfork won’t be nearly as easy to come by as fellow DL Ty Warren’s was a season ago. For starters, Wilfork’s wife, Bianca, who handles his business endeavors, is known as a tough and shrewd negotiator, and won’t settle for anything less than a blockbuster offer. But the most significant complicating matter is the uncertainty surrounding the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement, which is putting a kink in numerous teams’ contract structuring. Still, it’s more a matter of “when” than “if” when it comes to Wilfork and the Patriots.
I can't tell you how vital Wilfork is and resigning him should be the team's number one priority in terms of extending people. Just ask Eric Mangini and the Jets how hard it is to find a nose tackle for the 3-4 scheme and Wilfork is one of the best. He's improved every year, has had limited injury concerns and is an excellent member of the New England community with his draft day fund-raiser. Luckily, unlike Wide Receivers and Running Backs, Bill Belichick values the Defensive Line as much, if not more, than any other position on the field. Let's hope a deal gets done soon and his wife isn't too much of a pain in the arse.
Keywords: New England Patriots Vince Wilfork
