Wilfork is entering the final year of the six-year contract he signed as a rookie in 2004. Wilfork will make $2.2 million this season. Of course this is undoubtedly much less than a top tier linemen. Not only that, but Vince has to have visions of Haynesworth money dancing in his head.
Also in the last season of his deal is Richard Seymour. In 2006, he signed one of the most lucrative deals for a d-linemen; a four-year agreement worth $30 million and almost $24 million in bonuses.
It’s unlikely that the Patriots can sign both Seymour and Wilfork. In the Patriots 3-4 defense it is nearly unanimously agreed upon that Wilfork is invaluable. As good as Seymour has been having a dominant nose guard is a must.
Working against the team is the fact that the Patriots never over pay for a player the way a team like the Redskins did for Haynesworth. Working for the team is the point that not all teams play a 3-4 and will be in the market for Wilfork.
By my rough count there’s going to be 9 teams running a 3-4 as their base defense next season. Wilfork is a pretty natural pass rusher though, he could possibly play a 3-technique in a 4-3.