NE doesn't care about you Wilfork!

[Red Dawg]

Former New England cornerback Asante Samuel had some words of advice for nose tackle Vince Wilfork on Friday as Wilfork waits to see what his future holds with the Patriots.


“
The way [the Patriots] treat people is not something I agree with.

”
-- Former Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel

"I don't think they care about you, in my opinion," Samuel told the Boston Globe from Miami, where he was practicing with the NFC Pro Bowl team. "They didn't care about me. So do what's best for you and your family."

Having just finished playing the final season of his six-year rookie contract, Wilfork is looking for a long-term deal and a big payday. The Patriots could throw a wrench in the works by placing the franchise tag on him.

Samuel was in the same position Wilfork currently faces with the Patriots. The team slapped him with a franchise tag in 2007 after Samuel had played four seasons in New England and was vocal about his desire for a long-term contract that he deemed was fair market value. Part of Samuel's deal to play under the franchise tag reportedly was an agreement that if the Patriots won 12 games or Samuel played 60 percent of the team's defensive snaps, he would not be tagged the next season.


If tagged, Wilfork would make $7M
The franchise and transition tag numbers for 2010 have been released, and these are important from a Patriots perspective in regards to nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

If the Patriots and Wilfork don't agree on a contract extension by late February, the team is expected to place the franchise tag on Wilfork. That figure would be $7.003 million.

The franchise tag is the average of the top five salaries at the position from the previous year. Wilfork earned $2.2 million in 2009, but he's seeking a long-term contract that gives him more security. Under the franchise tag, assuming Wilfork signed the tender, it would be a one-year deal.

In the event that Wilfork is assigned the tag, he could still sign with another team, but that club would have to give the Patriots draft-pick compensation. Because of that, it is rare for a player assigned the franchise tag to be signed by another team.

--Mike Reiss

After the Patriots went 16-0 that season Samuel was a free agent and signed a six-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Samuel told the Globe on Friday he thought the way the team handled his situation would influence how they might approach Wilfork.

"The way they treat people is not something I agree with," Samuel said, "but everybody has their own opinion."

Wilfork has expressed his opinion on his contract status several times over the last few days, most recently telling the Globe on Friday he was done discussing it until he either hears from the team or something happens.

"I already talked about it," Wilfork said, "so I don't want to keep hammering at it."

On Thursday, Wilfork told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that if things did not work out for the Patriots, it would be "a dream come true" to play for either the Miami Dolphins or Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Wilfork played collegiately at the University of Miami and is a Florida native.

"I love great weather. I love football. It doesn't matter where I play," Wilfork told the Sun-Sentinel. "I just want to have security for my family. I would love to stay in New England if I had the chance. I love New England because of my teammates, my family. My son, the friends and connections we've made up there, it's some great people up there. But if it doesn't work out I'll weigh my options, I tell you that."

On Wednesday, Wilfork said he would consider it a "slap in the face" if the Patriots placed the franchise tag on him.


KC cares about you Vince!

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by Zooks

They drafted Brace last year. I wonder if he's ready.

good point

if Brace is ready they might try and tag and trade on Wilfork. If Brace isn't ready or they are unsure of his ability they may keep Wilfork for another year or so.

[Titty Meat]

Originally Posted by Mecca

If the article is about how NE doesn't treat players right why would he sign with a team trying to be NE?

You believe everything you read?

[Chiefaholic]

Let's just say the Pats asked for reasonable compensation far less that what the franchise tag calls for (not realistic). Multiple teams have contracts on the table and one of which are KC. If money is similar and Wilfork gets to choose where he goes, then KC has about a snowballs chance in hell of landing him. Vince has already expressed interest in playing in a warm environment (Florida), and KC winters combined with an open environment stadium wouldn't work in our favor. We'de have to offer a significant pay raise over the southern competition to have a chance.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by RustShack

NE has always been smart and let players go and let other teams over pay for them.

Oh PLEASE let us step up and be that team ELEVENTY!!!!111@