A stalwart on the New England Patriots defensive line for more than a decade is shifting gears and heading south. Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork took to twitter to thank the Pats organization for his years there and announced that he had agreed to join the Houston Texans. It’s rumored that the Indianapolis Colts were also interested in adding him. The deal is reportedly for two-years, but financial details are not yet known.
Thank you everyone for everything your support has been tremendous pic.twitter.com/Kej0MsI6yB
— Vince Wilfork (@wilfork75) March 16, 2015
It’s a 2-year deal for the #Texans and new DT Vince Wilfork.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2015
The 33-year-old Wilfork had spent the entirety of his career with the Pats, getting drafted in the first round (21st overall) in 2004 after a stellar college career with Miami (FL). Since then, he’s been an integral part of New England’s era of dominance. The five-time Pro Bowler has registered over 500 tackles during his 11-year NFL career and has two Super Bowl rings to his name including the recently completed Super Bowl victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
Wilfork joins a defensive front that includes arguably the league’s most feared defensive end in J.J. Watt. The 6’1″, 325 pounder doesn’t have the pass rush acumen Watt has established with only 16 total sacks throughout his time in the NFL, but he’s a vaunted run-stopper. Though he’s certainly at the tail end of his career his presence has the potential to bolster the interior of Houston’s 3-4 defense. One of Houston’s current defensive tackles, Ryan Pickett, is pretty advanced in age himself at 35. Wilfork should be an upgrade over either him or Jerrell Powe.
The Texans ranked tenth in the league in rushing defense last year, so adding Wilfork should certainly have Houston trending even higher in that regard. He’s been able to stay relatively healthy throughout his career with the exception of the 2013 season when he tore his Achilles’ tendon. If he has a few good years left, the Texans will be viewed as one of the better defensive teams in the league.
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