Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork won’t be back with the New England Patriots next season as he tweeted Thursday that the team declined to pick up his contract option.
Wilfork tweeted the news in a gracious statement to New England fans saying that he is “in a good place” and has “a great relationship with the Patriots organization.”
ESPN noted that the veteran player’s base salary of $3 million and a $4 million roster bonus would have put the Pats $8.9 million against the salary cap.
Wilfork was drafted in the first round by the only team he has ever played for in 2004 and became a defensive force and leader on the field for 11 seasons.
For his career, he has 16 sacks, more than 350 tackles and 167 assists, according to Pro-Football-Reference.com He was also named to the Pro Bowl five times and won two Super Bowls with New England.
He will officially become a free agent when the new league begins next Tuesday.
The 33-year-old said he would like to to play again in 2015, but will take time to "think things through."