Patriots tag Vince Wilfork

The Patriots [team stats] applied the franchise tag to nose tackle Vince Wilfork [stats] today, exercising their right to control the 28-year-old veteran for another season.

The two-time Pro Bowler will receive a one-year, $7.003 million contract, assuming he signs the tender. It is the non-exclusive tag, a source said, meaning Wilfork could visit with and negotiate with other teams. If he departs, the Patriots will receive the hefty price of two first-round picks from the team that lures Wilfork.

Both the Wilforks and the Patriots say a long-term contract is the eventual goal. But the two camps apparently could not come to an agreement before Thursday’s deadline.

In the official statement released by the Patriots, the team described locking Wilfork up as the team’s top contractual priority.

“Unfortunately, despite numerous conversations and proposals, the goal has not yet been realized,” the Patriots statement said. “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.”

In the past, Wilfork had only vaguely alluded to how he would respond to the franchise tag. He did call it a “slap in the face” and said he would response appropriately.

Yet in response to today’s news, his wife Bianca – speaking for the couple via Twitter – took the high road.

“After six years of dedicated service, I do understand this is a business,” Bianca Tweeted for her husband, through her account. “With that being said, it is my hope that the tag is applied for its true purpose: For the purpose of allotting more time for us to continue our talks and be able to reach a long term agreement. Only time will tell what the final result will be.”

Wilfork was a first-round draft pick of the Patriots in 2004 and has started 80 regular-season games over six seasons. The 6-foot-2, 325-pounder served as a co-captain during 2008 and 2009.

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(boston.com)