The New England Patriots have declined their option for 2015 on Vince Wilfork.

Wilfork will become an unrestricted free agent.

Wilfork was due a $4 million roster bonus on March 10.

The Patriots create $8.06 million in salary-cap space with the move. Wilfork and the Patriots could still reach a new agreement to extend Wilfork's career in New England, where he's played since the club selected him in the first round of the 2004 draft.

"I'm in a good place. I have a great relationship with the Patriots organization," Wilfork wrote in his statement. "Please know how blessed my family and I have been to be able to play 11 years in New England for an amazing organization. New England has been and always will be my home."