NOTES, QUOTES, ANECDOTES
--DL Vince Wilfork, the Patriots first round pick out of Miami, signed his
contract with the team in mid-July ensuring he would be in training camp on
time. His six-year deal could be worth as much as $18.05 million. He received
a $3 million signing bonus and base salaries of $325,000 for 2004, $810,000
for 2005, $940,000 for 2006, $1.1 million for 2007, $700,000 for 2008 and $800,000
for 2009. He also will receiver a $325,000 roster bonus this season plus a $2.5
million option bonus next year that, if exercised, would decrease the base salaries
from 2005-2007. His salaries for 2005 and 2006 are guaranteed.
Wilfork was the third Patriots pick to sign. Second rounder Marquise Hill and
fourth rounder Dexter Reid already signed. The team's other first rounder, Benjamin
Watson, was unsigned as camp neared and is represented by IMG's Tom Condon and
Ken Kremer.
--DT Keith Traylor never played nose tackle in a 3-4, but he replaces Ted Washington,
who is one of the best to man the position. Don't ask Traylor to compare himself
to his former teammate with the Bears. "I don't think there is any comparison,"
Traylor said. "He's Ted Washington and I'm Keith Traylor and you get to
comparing what he's done to what I've done and I don't think there is any comparison
at all. He's a great 3-4 nose guard and I'm just learning the position. He's
given me some tips and I'm learning, but I'd rather not let you guys know that.
It's personal between he and I."
QUOTE TO NOTE:
"I want to play more and get more involved. I feel better lining up now
than I have and I can't wait to get out there and get started." - defensive
lineman Jarvis Green on the start of training camp and the approaching season
UP NEXT:
position by position analysis.
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