Vince Wilfork's Value to the New England Patriots Trumps Record Contract

The New England Patriots made sure Vince Wilfork wouldn't end up yet another lost core member of their defense 

Guys like Asante Samuel, Mike Vrabel, Rodney Harrison, Tedy Bruschi, and Richard Seymour—stalwarts of the Patriots' championship teams—have all either left as free agents, retired, or been traded in the last two years.

As a result, New England has dropped from fourth in total defense in 2007 to 10th in 2008, and 11th in 2009. The issues go beyond the numbers and into the locker room, though.

Those names above were leaders, veterans, and champions. They meant more to the Patriots than statistics demonstrate, and it showed last season as the Patriots began resembling an average team rather than the immortal beast that won three titles.

With the franchise and Wilfork unable to reach a contract extension in recent years, the 325 lb nose tackle played under the franchise tag last season, and was again tagged on Feb. 22. It appeared the 28-year-old was headed down the same path as Samuel.

That would have been a huge blow to the franchise. Wilfork is the pillar of New England's defense, and serves as one of the elite options in the NFL at his position—one that is notoriously hard to find good talent in. To lose him would have turned an already suspect defense into an identifiably bad one.

Instead, the five-year, $40 million contract extension the Patriots' and Wilfork's representatives agreed to will make Wilfork the highest paid nose tackle in the league. It will also likely keep him in a Patriots uniform until he retires.

A few weeks ago, Wilfork admitted that was something he didn't foresee happening. Now, its a done deal.

The seven-year veteran out of the University of Miami is one of the most durable, hard-working players in the league, and has been a vocal leader on and off the field throughout his entire career.

Last season, Wilfork moved over to defensive end for part of the season and was forced to play out of position. Why? Because New England needed it.

There are few players who can match his strength and size in the middle, and even fewer who lead their teammates with more passion. Wilfork will take a double-team all day, and will double-down on teammates who aren't playing to their abilities.

The record contract he now possesses is a testament to the importance Wilfork has to the Patriots. Don't forget, New England doesn't hand over cash easily. If they believe a player is asking for too much money, they move on.

It seems on Friday the team decided Wilfork was worth every penny.

The move was about more than the money though. It showed a serious commitment to the teams' best defensive player. It showed the Patriots weren't willing to lose yet another leader.

Wilfork is here to stay.