Patriots decline contract option for Vince Wilfork; veteran to become free agent
After 11 years with the New England Patriots, it appears that defensive tackle Vince Wilfork will be wearing a different uniform in 2015.
As Wilfork announced on Thursday, the Patriots have opted not to pick up his two-year contract option, making him an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins March 10.
Morning guys ... Please read below this will be my only statement pic.twitter.com/gClv03hqet
— Vince Wilfork (@wilfork75) March 5, 2015
Though the 33-year-old is likely nearing the end of his playing career, his announcement would seem to indicate that he is not yet considering retirement.
Coming off a season in which he was once again among the league's top interior run defenders, playing a key role in another Patriots Super Bowl victory, Wilfork should generate plenty of interest as a free agent on the open market.
Wilfork has appeared in 158 games since being selected by the Patriots in the first round of the 2004 draft, with his consistent high level of play having earned him five trips to the Pro Bowl.