Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork released a statement on Twitter saying he did not have his team option picked up for the 2015 season by the New England Patriots early Thursday morning. The two-time super bowl champion is the last remaining player from the 2004 Patriots team that completed a dynasty, other than quarterback Tom Brady. He is considered a fan favorite across the six states of New England and many fans cannot believe he will be playing in a different uniform next season. It’s heartbreaking to see former Patriots elsewhere. Wes Welker catching touchdowns from Peyton Manning makes me ill. But that’s the reality of today’s NFL.
The big defensive tackle has been a mainstay of the team’s defense his entire career, consistently clogging the middle and demanding a double team. He is a five-time Pro Bowler and top ten Patriot of all-time. In his statement he thanked the fans of New England and reminded them that no matter what, he will always truly be a New England Patriot.
This move was expected, with Wilfork being due a roster bonus on March 10th. Had the Patriots picked up the option, Wilfork also would have counted $8.9 million against the salary cap. The 33 year-old certainly has something left in the tank, but he isn’t worth what he was going to make.
The move is classic Bill Belicheck. Patriots faithful have seen it time and time again. Beloved player after beloved player let go when Belicheck sees decline or more value elsewhere. Not even Super Bowls matter. Wilfork won Super Bowls 11 years apart for Belicheck, and Belicheck thanked him with a sayonara.
Wes Welker, Drew Bledsoe, Deion Branch, Mike Vrabel, Ty Law, Willie McGinest, Asante Samuel, Lawyer Milloy—the list of players Belicheck has let go goes on and on. Belicheck doesn’t let anything get in the way of what he thinks is the best move possible for the team. He is mentioned as one of the greatest coaches of all-time, but does he get enough credit for his roster moves and draft day maneuvering? He’s arguably the best general manager in the NFL as well!
However, nobody goes 16 seasons without making a wrong roster choice–even Belicheck. Trading Richard Seymour to the Raiders in 2009 and lots of questionable cornerback selections in the draft are swept under the rug, but that’s only because Belicheck doesn’t ever allow the poor move to sink his team for multiple seasons. In fact, Belicheck never takes slack for his poor moves, because he is successful every season. It’s hard to question a coach that wins his division 12 times in 14 seasons.
Belicheck’s ruthlessness does make you wonder about Tom Brady’s future with the team. Brady has stated he would like to play even after he turns 40. Will Belicheck want him that long? Will Belicheck allow him to retire a Patriot?
If history tells you anything, the answer is no. Eventually, he’s going to trade or cut Brady like he has done to all the other great Patriots. Belicheck doesn’t let feelings get in the way of winning, even to maintain his closest relationships. He’s an evil genius for a reason, and as long as he continues to add rings to his fingers, nobody is doubting his moves.
