 February 22, 2010 -- The Patriots applied the franchise tag to nose tackle Vince Wilfork today, exercising their right to control the 28-year-old veteran for another season.
Pats' Wilfork could make better than $7 million in 2010, but he's not thrilled about it.
New England placed the franchise tag on the Pro Bowler on Monday, three days ahead of Thursday's deadline to do so.
It is the non-exclusive tag, a source said, meaning Wilfork could visit with and negotiate with other teams. If he departs, the Patriots will receive the hefty price of two first-round picks from the team that lures Wilfork.
Both the Wilforks and the Patriots say a long-term contract is the eventual goal. But the two camps apparently could not come to an agreement before the deadline.
"A long-term agreement with Vince Wilfork has been the team's top contractual priority for some time," the Patriots announced in a statement confirming Wilfork was tagged. "Unfortunately, despite numerous conversations and proposals, the goal has not yet been realized. Vince is a tremendous player for our team and remains a significant part of our future plans. It is because of Vince's importance to this organization that we have assigned the franchise designation as we continue to work toward a long-term agreement. We are hopeful that Vince will remain a Patriot for many years to come."
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