Patriots Decline Vince Wilfork's Option, Will Enter Free Agency

Vince Wilfork’s time in New England is most likely over. The defensive tackle announced on Thursday that the Patriots have declined to pick up the option on his contact for an additional two years. The move makes Wilkfork a free agent, free to entertain offers from other teams.

The pro-bowler said in a message on his Twitter account that he was informed of the decision on Tuesday.

A veteran of 11 years, Wilfork has been a mainstay on the Patriots’ defensive line, picking up 355 solo tackles and 167 assisted with New England.

With the decision, the Patriots free up $8 million in cap space.

While a move out of New England seems likely, Wilfork could return to the Patriots after reviewing offers from other teams; but the nature of Wilfork’s message, which sounds like a goodbye letter to fans, makes the scenario unlikely.

The certain departure of Wilfork represents only one of the difficult decisions the team will have to make. Whether other key defensive players like Devin McCourty and Darrelle Revis return are unknown.

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