The Patriots have slapped the franchise tag on 28-year old nose tackle Vince Wilfork guaranteeing him $7.003 million bucks for 2010.  Wilfork played in 13 games for the Patriots last season and he finished up with 43 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 1 forced fumble and 2 passes defensed.  He has now played in 90 games in his six years with the Patriots and he has 303 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 10 passes defensed.  Wilfork is one of the best interior linemen in the NFL and the Patriots were smart to keep him for 2010.

UPDATE:  The Patriots have signed Wilfork to a 5-year, $40 million dollar deal with $25 million bucks of it guaranteed.