Houston Texans Sign NT Vince Wilfork
The Texans continued their free agency splurge Monday afternoon by signing free agent Nose Tackle Vince Wilfork. Wilfork broke the news on twitter by posting a short message to the fans of Houston and his former team, the New England Patriots Monday afternoon. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the deal is worth $9 million, with $5 million guaranteed in the first season.
Thank you everyone for everything your support has been tremendous pic.twitter.com/Kej0MsI6yB
— Vince Wilfork (@wilfork75) March 16, 2015
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that it is a two-year deal between the 11 year veteran and the Texans,
It’s a 2-year deal for the #Texans and new DT Vince Wilfork.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2015
Wilfork was released by the New England Patriots earlier this month after 11 seasons and two Super Bowls with the team. He was drafted in 2004 out of the University of Miami with the 21st overall pick. In his 11 year career with the Patriots, Wilfork has compiled 516 tackles and 16 sacks to go with five Pro Bowl selections. He will be reunited with his former defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Romeo Crennel. The two were together in New England during the 2004, where they won a Super Bowl.
The Texans have been looking for options at nose tackle, as 2014 starter Ryan Pickett turns 36 during the upcoming season. Some suggested the addition of a younger nose tackle in the draft, which may still be possible. Wilfork would be a great mentor to a young player coming into the league and his contract length would give that player and opportunity in the near future to start.
Earlier monday, the Texans reportedly signed veteran wide receiver Cecil Shorts. The team entered free agency with approximately eight million in cap space, much of which was generated by cap casualties.
The team’s projected defense now includes Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt, 2014 first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney and now a two-time Super Bowl Champion in Wilfork
Houston will still be looking for a starting center to enter the 2015 season with. An option in free agency could be Stefen Wisniewski, who played at Penn State during his college career. Of course, Texans Head Coach Bill O’Brien was the Head Coach at Penn State during the 2012 season.
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