Free agent defensive lineman Vince Wilfork has signed with the Houston Texans, the player announced Monday on his official Twitter account. Wilfork has been the anchor of the New England Patriots defense for the past decade. He is signing a two-year, $9 million deal with $5 million guaranteed, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
Vince Wilfork says he’s signing with the Texans
Vince Wilfork, one of the most dominant nose tackles in football, becomes a key signing for the Texans.
The former All-Pro defensive tackle joins a front seven that includes Brian Cushing, Jadeveon Clowney and reigning Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, the latter of whom went to Twitter to celebrate the team’s newest addition. Wilfork will also be reunited with former Patriots Mike Vrabel, Romeo Crennel and Bill O’Brien, now all members of the Houston coaching staff.
Wilfork spent his entire career in New England after being selected in in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He helped the Patriots to a pair of Super Bowl wins during his tenure, including his rookie campaign.
Wilfork continued to be a force throughout his tenure, helping to free up linebackers Tedy Bruschi, Dont'a Hightower, Brandon Spikes and Jerod Mayo by eating up blockers.
Despite weighing more than the listed 325 pounds, Wilfork has possessed impressive quickness in the trenches. His combination of size and speed made him a five-time Pro Bowl selection, and an All-Pro in 2012.
Wilfork entered free agency after the Patriots cut him to avoid a near $9 million cap hit. Though not the impact player he was a few years ago, Wilfork can still occupy multiple blockers and push the pocket.
While his snap count will likely diminish in 2015, Wilfork still possesses the ability to tilt the field with good leverage and technique.
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