Around the NFL

Wilfork could lose out on $1.25M by sitting Week 17

Published: Dec 24, 2014 at 12:44 AM

The Patriots will be the AFC's No. 1 playoff seed whether they win or lose in their regular-season finale against the Bills.

Tom Brady wants to play Sunday so the offense can work out some kinks. Vince Wilfork has other reasons to be on the field in Foxborough.

Wilfork's contract is loaded with incentives, one of which being a $1.25 million escalator if he plays 70 percent of the Patriots defensive snaps and plays in the divisional round of the playoffs.

New England has already punched its ticket to the divisional playoffs. But Wilfork could miss out on the salary bump if Bill Belichick rests his starters in Week 17.

According to SportingCharts.com (via CSNNE.com), Wilfork has played in 764 of the Patriots 1,031 defensive snaps for 74.1 percent. If he sits against the Bills, there's a good chance he dips below 70 percent.

Speaking of Brady, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports that the quarterback fully guarantees his salaries for 2015 ($7 million), 2016 ($8M) and 2017 ($9M) if he suits up on Sunday. Both the QB and the Big Man will be itching to hit the field.

The latest Around The NFL Podcast previews the biggest matchups in Week 17 and makes its picks for the last week of the season. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.

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