Report: Vince Wilfork To Visit Houston Texans Today

The Houston Texans continue to work hard to mold the 2015 roster by pursuing one of top free agents on the market.

Who could that be?

It had been rumored for quite some time that Wilfork had a desire to play for the Texans because of the obvious connections with the coaching staff.

He played for Bill O’Brien and directly reported to Romeo Crennel as well as starring alongside Mike Vrabel all during his career with the New England Patriots.

Vrabel is currently the Texans’ linebackers coach.

The rumor remained a rumor until the Pats decided to cut him from the team and then the improbable turned into a possible reality.

I’m somewhat surprised that the veteran became available because in past seasons, the Pats would always find a way to keep him.

But they recently decided to re-sign Alan Branch, who had a reserve role behind Wilfork but did contribute considerably taking about 70 snaps in last year’s playoffs.

He continued to be praised for his run-block capabilities.

With Wilfork expected to make nearly $7.6 million per season in his current contract, it made bringing back Branch in a larger role sound appealing.

It has been reported that Branch’s contract is worth $6.6 million for two years, far less expensive than Wilfork’s.

More than anything, that’s the reason why Wilfork is a free agent.

Although it’s still quite possible he could make his return to the Pats in a reduced role for less money, he is testing the market.

As far as how much money he could command, it has been reported that three AFC teams have made contract offers up to $10 million for two seasons.

No word yet on if that’s what the Texans plan to offer him.

SportsTalk 790 AM’s Jayson Braddock reports that he will visit the Texans today:

This would be wonderful news if the Texans were able to secure a coup of the one of the greatest nose tackles to take the field professionally.

Here’s an additional tweet from Braddock that confirms that he’ll be in H-Town:

KRIV Fox 26’s Mark Berman reported that there’s “mutual interest” between both the Texans and Wilfork as well.

He also reports that the Texans are “high” on Wilfork’s radar because of the obvious connections with the staff, according to Kennard McGuire, his agent, who is from Houston.

"“I think it’s a priority,” McGuire told Berman. “It’s no different than Andre (Johnson) when Andre made his decision."

McGuire also mentioned that he is gaining interest from five to six other teams but would not name those teams or provide who would be the front-runner.

"“I would not put anyone in the lead, but I would say that they have a legitimate shot to get him.” McGuire said. “Once again it’s because of familiarity, and if you look across the league guys do tend to migrate toward areas of familiarity."

Honestly, based on those factors, it should be slam dunk signing for the Texans!

More from House of Houston

It just depends on how well they can woo and schmooze Wilfork to come to H-Town.

The Colts may be on his radar as well because of the obvious connections between he, Andre Johnson, Frank Gore and Chuck Pagano during his collegiate days at the University of Miami.

But the ball is now in the Texans’ hands and it’s up to executive vice president/general manager Rick Smith and the rest of his staff not to fumble it.

Berman did confirm that McGuire has already spoken to Smith about Wilfork’s interest.