The New England Patriots still could keep All-Pro nose tackle Vince Wilfork on a discounted rate.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that Wilfork has asked the Patriots to be released after rejecting a restructured contract. Wilfork’s agent’s next step is to find out Wilfork’s value on the open market, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Friday. Wilfork’s camp would then weigh Wilfork’s value in free agency against the Patriots’ restructured contract offer and make a decision on the 10-year veteran’s future.
The Patriots would save $8 million in salary-cap space by releasing Wilfork. They likely could save slightly less than $8 million by restructuring or extending Wilfork’s contract.
Wilfork was drafted by the Patriots with the No. 21 overall pick in 2004. The 32-year-old has been named to five Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams.
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