NT Vince Wilfork Free Agency Fits: Bears, Packers, Dolphins
The New England Patriots released veteran NT Vince Wilfork after 11 seasons with the team. Wilfork is a five time Pro Bowler, with 516 career tackles, sixteen career sacks, and two Super Bowl rings with the Patriots. Wilfork was drafted by the Patriots 21st overall in the 2004 draft out of Miami, and created a lasting legacy in New England. Here’s what he had to say about hitting free agency:
Here are three teams that could be looking into acquiring Wilfork’s services during this period.
Chicago Bears
Jan 19, 2015; Lake Forest, IL, USA; New Chicago Bears head coach John Fox speaks during a press conference at Mugs Halas Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears’s defense has fallen apart the past couple seasons, and the glory days of Mike Ditka’s defense are far behind them. The hiring of John Fox and former San Francisco defensive coordinator Vic Fangio means that Chicago will transition from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 front. With that change comes the need of a true nose tackle.
While Danny Shelton might be available during the draft, the presence of a veteran voice with experience of the scheme could help the transition run smoother. Chicago can build the rest of its defense in the first round, or select one of the many offensive lineman due to be available. Wilfork can step in right away and make a strong impact on one of the league’s most mediocre run defenses.
Green Bay Packers
With B.J Raji coming off of a torn bicep and entering free agency, the Packers need to fill the void at nose tackle.
They are currently left with former fifth round pick Letroy Guion, who filled in for the injured Raji this past season. He recorded 3.5 sacks and 41 tackles in the 16 games he started with the Packers after being signed away from the Minnesota Vikings. Vince Wilfork would be a tremendous upgrade here, and could help the Packers regenerate Championship hopes after a disappointing exit from the playoffs. Wilfork is a proven champion and can help Aaron Rodgers win his second ring.
Miami Dolphins
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork (75) in Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Wilfork is a Florida native and attended the University of Miami. A return to South Beach would make sense to finish out his career where he started. Don’t discredit the fact that he spent the last 11 years of his life living in frigid New England. Miami had a bottom-ten defense against the run last season, giving Wilfork the opportunity to come in and help former first round pick Jared Odrick solidify the inside of the Dolphins defensive line.