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Patriots use franchise tag on NT Wilfork, say they want longer deal

NFL.com Wire Reports
The New England Patriots have placed their franchise tag on Pro Bowl nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

The Patriots said Monday that they made the move to continue negotiating a long-term agreement with the six-year veteran. They said that agreement has been their top contractual priority and Wilfork remains a significant part of their plans.

Cost of tagging players
The amounts of this year's franchise and transition tags have been set, with QBs at a high of $16.405 million. Complete list ...
Wilfork has said he wouldn't be happy if the team put the franchise tag on him. Instead, he's scheduled to make $7.003 million next season because of the tag.

Wilfork used his wife's Twitter page Monday to offer his response. He said "it is my hope that the tag is applied for its true purpose," which is to continue talks on a long-term contract.

"Only time will tell what the final result will be," Wilfork added.

The Patriots didn't say if they used the exclusive tag, which would prevent another team from signing Wilfork this year, or a non-exclusive tag, which would give New England the right to match any offer for him or receive two first-round draft picks if it doesn't.

Wilfork made his second Pro Bowl this past season and has 303 tackles and 7.5 sacks in his career.

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