Patriots, Wilfork, Re-Open Negotiations

As any Patriots fan probably knows, Pats’ nose tackle Vince Wilfork expires after the 2009 season.  As any Patriots also probably knows, Vince Wilfork is one of the most important pieces of the team.  Now, after a long hiatus from discussing a possible contract, Wilfork and the Patriots are once again in discussions. John Tomase of the Boston Herald reports:

Photo Courtesy of Providence Journal

The Patriots and Vince Wilfork have restarted discussions on a contract extension that the nose tackle hopes makes him “a Patriot for a long time.”Speaking between innings at a charity softball game for the Heath Evans Foundation last night, Wilfork said his mood has brightened considerably in the last couple of weeks with the opening of talks he characterized as “extremely positive.”

“We’ve been communicating back and forth,” he said. “That’s the only thing I wanted. I don’t care if nothing moves. I just wanted to communicate, let them know that, ‘Hey, this is what we’re thinking and this is what they’re thinking.’ All of that has been positive.”

Wilfork didn’t say if the sides had exchanged specific contract proposals, but that was almost besides the point.

What mattered is they’re talking.

“Everything’s moving in the right direction,” Wilfork said. “There’s been a lot of communication between us and them. We’re both on the same level. Before we weren’t, but now we are. I believe it will continue, and if it does, I will be a New England Patriot for a long time. I truly believe that. Deep down in my heart, I believe that.”

This is very,very good news for any Patriots fan.  Wilfork might not put up huge numbers, but he may just be the best nose tackle in all of football.  He is stout, strong, fantastic tackler, and he’s only 27 years old.  Extending Wilfork will ensure the continued success of this Patriots team for years to come.