Robert Kraft is "still not giving up hope" the New England Patriots can work out a deal with Vince Wilfork.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported earlier this month that the defensive lineman asked for his release. The Patriots approached Wilfork about restructuring his contract, but it was a nonstarter.
* Free-Agent Tracker*
Follow all the developments on the NFL's open market with our up-to-the-minute tracking of 2014's free agents. **More...**
Monday, at the NFL Annual Meeting, Kraft -- donning Patriot-colored Air Force Ones -- said he hopes the sides will come to an agreement.
"He is one of my personal favorites," Kraft said in an interview with reporters in Orlando, Fla. "... I surely hope Vince will be with us next year."
Kraft admitted there still were issues to be worked through to keep the veteran lineman.
"I very much hope we get it done and I believe he very much would like to do it as well," Kraft said. "We'll see what happens."
Wilfork turns 33 in November and is coming off a torn Achilles tendon. He is scheduled to make $7.5 million in 2014, with a salary cap charge of $11.6 million stemming from a five-year contract extension in 2010.
Other comments from Kraft on Monday:
» Kraft said he talked with Darrelle Revis about joining the Patriots. The corner signed with New England, Kraft said, because he wanted to win.
"He had a chance to go to any team, and could've made more money," Kraft said of Revis. "But he chose us."
» Kraft believes the Patriots' proposal to raise goal posts an additional five feet will pass.
"This isn't for the benefit of the Patriots. This is for every team," he said, admitting it likely will come down to costs.
» Kraft was confident in the background information the team gathered before signing cornerback Brandon Browner.
"This wasn't an individual that was violent with women or doing things that I would personally find objectionable," the Patriots owner said.
» On whether Tom Brady's age was the impetus behind the team's bold moves:
"Want me to tell Brady that he's at the end of his career?"
Zing!
The latest "Around The League Podcast" analyzes all the DeSean Jackson trade rumors, plays running back roulette and welcomes Lance Briggs to the studio.