Wilfork or Seymour?

It’s a small measure of relief to hear from Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio that the team and Vince Wilfork’s agent are continuing contract talks. Whether that means progress is being made or the stalemate continues is unknown. But at least the lines of communication are open.

But what if the worst case scenario happens and the two sides are unable to reach an agreement? It’s possible Wilfork declares that he won’t negotiate during the regular season.

On the other side of the coin is Richard Seymour. Like Wilfork, Seymour has one year left on his contract. But his people and the Patriots aren’t talking. If Seymour and New England ever get around to talking numbers, it probably won’t happen until the end of the season.

So here’s the nightmare scenario: Both Wilfork and Seymour are free agents after productive seasons. The price tag for both will be high, but getting both signed under the cap might not be possible.

If it is a case of one or the other, who should the Patriots keep, Vince Wilfork or Richard Seymour?

Seymour’s resume speaks for itself: Starter since his rookie year, five Pro Bowl selections, and three All-Pro selections. He’s a leader on the team and was arguably the best defender on the team last year as he led the Patriots in sacks with eight.

But there are two issues the Patriots are cautious about: 1. Seymour turns 30 in October, the point when many pros start declining. New England won’t sign him to a big contract if in a year or two the franchise is getting production that doesn’t equal his pay. 2. Seymour has missed 17 games in his career. Fresh in the Patriots’ mind is 2007 when Seymour played in just nine games. New England won’t drop a load of cash for a player that can’t stay on the field.

Wilfork is building a reputation as one of the league’s elite nose tackles with one Pro Bowl selection under his belt. He’s been durable too, missing just three games in five seasons. And at 27 years old, Wilfork is in his prime.

If Wilfork becomes an unrestricted free agent, the Patriots won’t be alone when trying to sign Vince. Finding nose tackles of Wilfork’s caliber isn’t easy. And with there being more 3-4 defenses in the league, there are more suitors for Vince’s services. Wilfork isn’t limited, though. He can play in a 4-3 if asked to. In other words, Wilfork could sign with any team.

And so could Seymour, as he can play DT in a 4-3.

So if it comes down to one or the other, who would better serve the Patriots in the long run?

Elite nose tackles are harder to find, but Seymour would be my choice over Wilfork for one particular reason: Third and long.

Wilfork is great at stuffing the run, whether he holds his position like a fire hydrant or he crashes through the line for a tackle. But on passing downs, Vince goes to the sideline, replaced by Mike Wright. Wilfork has 7.5 sacks in his career.

Seymour, on the other hand, twice had eight sacks in a season. For reasons unknown, Big Sey often comes out on passing downs. But that didn’t keep his sack total down.

In the draft, the Patriots selected three DTs. Two of them will fight for either a roster spot or a spot on the practice squad. Ron Brace, the second round selection, is getting a lot of reps during training camp at end. Whether that’s insurance for Seymour’s eventual departure or just for enhancing depth is unknown. But at 6-3 330 pounds, Brace has the size to play the nose. He held his ground very well at Boston College.

Hopefully Wilfork reaches a deal soon and New England has the money for Seymour in 2010. But if it’s one or the other, my money is on Seymour because he’s a four down player.

The Patriots won Super Bowls with Ted Washington, Keith Traylor, and Wilfork playing the nose. Seymour was a part of all three championship teams. If the Patriots have to find a replacement for Wilfork, they can do it.

Questions? Comments? Send to talktome@randolphc.com