FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have put the franchise tag on Pro Bowl nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

The Patriots said Monday they made the move to continue negotiating a long-term agreement with the six-year veteran. They said that agreement has been their top contractual priority and Wilfork remains a significant part of their plans.
Wilfork has said he would not be happy if the team put the franchise tag on him.
The team did not say if it used the exclusive tag, which would prevent another team from signing Wilfork this year, or a non-exclusive tag, which would give the Patriots the right to match any offer for him or receive two first-round draft picks if they don’t.