The 32-year-old defensive lineman might not be heading anywhere, however, according to The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin, who appeared on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Toucher and Rich” Tuesday.
“At first it was pretty jarring to see (the report), and everybody came to the foregone conclusion that (Wilfork) played his last game as a New England Patriot, but I just think (asking to be released) is a negotiating tactic on his side,” Volin said. “I think the Patriots would still rather have Vince on the team than cut him. They just can’t have him on the team at an $11.6 million cap number.
“This is Wilfork trying to play his hand a little bit, force the issue and maybe make the Patriots increase their offer. I ultimately think that the two sides are going to come to an agreement. Cooler heads will prevail, and they’ll find a way to bring Vince back even though he asked for a release. I still think he wants to come back, but this is just part of negotiating.”
The defensive captain has been with the Patriots since they selected him 21st overall in the 2004 NFL draft. Wilfork’s 2013 season ended when he tore his Achilles during a win over the Atlanta Falcons in September.
