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Vince Wilfork’s agent says mutual interest with Houston Texans

By Will Osgood

Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork (75) smiles on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork (75) smiles on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Free agent defensive tackle Vince Wilfork’s agent says there is mutual interest between he and the Houston Texans.

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33-year-old defensive tackle Vince Wilfork figures to be a player who garners a fair amount of interest as free agency progresses to “phase two”. Now that most of the big contracts have been handed out, Wilfork can properly assess the direction teams are taking, their cap room and make the best decision for himself.

As he’s begun that process, he remains very interested in the Houston Texans according to his agent, Kennard McGuire, speaking to Houston station Fox 26’s Mark Berman through ESPN.com.

“Vince has several opportunities he’s looking at. Obviously I’m very biased being in Houston and wanting him to be here with me. I would welcome that.”

Wilfork seemed near a deal with Houston upon the commencement of free agency, but nothing has taken firm root just yet. But McGuire indicated Friday that the interest between the two remains mutual.

“One of the benefits from the organization’s standpoint is that of familiarity. Vince played with Vrabel [Texans linebackers coach]. He was coached by Billy [O’Brien the Texans’ head coach] and RAC [Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel]. All of those elements are appealing to Vince. I think it’s a priority.”

Wilfork played in Crennel’s 3-4 defense in 2004 with the Patriots before the coach took over the Cleveland Browns. He’s been with New England his entire career.

In 11 NFL seasons, Wilfork has made just over $50 million according to Spotrac. That seems about commensurate in the modern NFL for one of the game’s finest nose tackles.

He was once an All-Pro in 2012 and has made five Pro Bowl teams. Since around 2011, the Patriots have messed around with hybrid defensive fronts, and been closer to a 4-3 defense, giving Wilfork the added label as a versatile defensive tackle as he enters free agency.

Still, his best fit is as a “nose” taking up two blockers in a 3-4 scheme, like he could potentially do in Houston playing alongside defensive end J.J. Watt, who is likely headed for a Hall of Fame bust.

Though McGuire says Wilfork has five or six suitors, Houston and New England are clearly the best fits–regardless of who else may be among that group. New England will have cap room to bring him back, after losing three prominent corners already this offseason and declining Wilfork’s contract option on March 5.

They’d understandably like him to return at a less expensive rate. As a result, Wilfork will continue to take his time to make a decision.

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