Kraft: Nothing personal with Wilfork
FOXBOROUGH -- Owner Robert Kraft spoke with reporters today about the newest member of the Patriots Hall of Fame -- Jim Nance -- and the topic of Vince Wilfork was brought up by media members. Kraft said he has spoken with Wilfork.
"Vince and I have a great relationship, we actually chatted at the golf tournament Monday," he said. "We both understand that this is not personal in any way. This is just each side doing their business. One way or another, I'm sure things will get resolved."
Kraft was then asked "how difficult is it for young players to realize that this is business and it's not personal?"
"It's hard. It's hard on both sides," Kraft responded. "Look, we're blessed to have a lot of good players on this team. Unfortunately, the nature of the business, if you want to win every year, to put yourself in a position to try to win every year, you need to make decisions and prioritize. There is a limited amount of money we can spend. So we're always trying to balance that and keep a team together, and put ourselves in the best position to win."
Kraft was asked if Wilfork's presence today was a good sign.
"I think so," he answered. "Vince is a very special guy. While touring the GE plant up in Lynn, the question that kept coming up was 'We're not going to let Vince get out of here, are we?' So he has a lot of fans in this region, and we all realize how special he is."
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If this defense loses Wilfork it becomes below average immediately. And with Seymour on the way out too it is going to get real ugly unless they pony up.
Pay him...pay dat man his money!
If they lose both it wouldnt matter how good the offense is. They would not be able to stop anyone from scoring consistently enough to make a legit run at a championship. Considering at times teams were able to have some success running on the Pats in recent years. Imagine with both not around...SHEESH!
He better give him his due, he is the BEST Dlineman in the NFL period. they make their money and win games having him on the team, so they better pay his ass
The D looked pretty average last year with him as well.
I agree, Rich. If you can't spend the money on your stars, who are you going to spend the money on? Moss is signed through next year, as is Brady. Jarvis Green is hopefully on his way out, with his role to be filled by Mike Wright and maybe a draft pick to be named later (either this year or next). Don't get me wrong, I like Jarvis Green, and he's been a contributor for a number of years...but he isn't the 6th best player on the team, yet that's how he's paid. He's a very good backup/rush specialist, but he's not worth a $5.4 mil cap figure. He just isn't. That 5.4 plus the 2.8 Wilfork is making this year makes 8.2 million. Just extend him now, figure out a way to get him in under the cap this season, and then next year the money to cover his contract creates itself when Jarvis Green is gone (assuming there's even a cap).
I'll be quite honest with everybody, I so sick of hearing about VW contract problems. just a few days ago people were calling him a fat slob, today everybodys lauding over him, pay him, sign him whatever it takes!!!
I believe no matter what happens, BB will put a quality team on the field!!!
He's the only one we can't afford to lose!!!!
They spent a high pick on Brace for a reason. Brace may not turn out to be as good as Wilfork (or maybe he will...), but he'll cost probably $8M/yr LESS than Wilfork will cost. I'd rather they use the money saved elsewhere. OLB, for example. Or RE if Seymour isn't extended. In the meantime, they have the luxury of having all three players under contract for '09.
I agree w/ #7. Let's let things play out......either way the Pats will spend to the cap & put a quality team on the field. Honestly, after watching this team for so many years, this is the best organization they've ever had. They make decisions based upon what's best for the team. I'm sure they'll do the same in this case & I'm willing to accept whatever happens. I want to see Vince stay but not at unreasonable numbers. You need to sign organization friendly contracts with this team because they like to build a deep roster & not tie up too much money on a few top players..
This year is critical with Brady to prove he is healthly. The results of this year will
dictate what happens next year. 2010 can be an uncapped year.
Attendence will dictate what happens with all clubs. Look at baseball.
"In Bill We Trust"
Whatever is the right decision will be made. If they let him go, they will have a plan. If both he and Seymour go, they will have a plan.
What we really need to worry about is when Bill goes. Then it gets ugly. Lets hope he didn't read that article about Jimmy Johnson and how happy he is away from football
HI im Nathan Ndeira from Australia and i was just wondering what are the qualities you look for in a player to be able to step out on that field wearing a patriots uniform
Vince showed up when he had to.
No more no less. Smart move on his part.
Vince made a wise choice in showing up to the practice sessions. It must be hard not to that thses contract talks personal, but Vince took a step in the right direction. By attending the practices he has elevatored the talks and hopely they will pay him market value,
Right now with richard seymour gone the Patriots must sign Wilfork to an extension to keep our defensive line strong
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