Houston Texans: Will Vince Wilfork Return To Football?

The free agency period for the Houston Texans has passed and now it’s almost go-time for the team to undertake the draft.

That aforementioned period of the latter involved the Houston Texans being relatively quiet, signing only tight end Ryan Griffin to a three-year, $9 million deal.

The team lost notable contributors such as A.J. Bouye, John Simon, Quintin Demps, Oday Aboushi and Don Jones to other teams.

In turn, the Texans will receive compensatory picks for letting those guys go so the decision to stand pat wasn’t all for naught.

But the biggest mystery is what will happen with the Texans’ most memorable and beloved nose tackle in Vince Wilfork.

Wilfork hasn’t hinted at all that he’d return back to football but he’s leaving the door open indicating that he’s undecided.

So when will he decide?

Possibly never.

The Texans don’t even think they’ll hear back from him any time soon as well.

According to the Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson, Rick Smith expects that Wilfork has hung up his No. 75 jersey for the last time.

Here’s what Smith said:

"“I haven’t spoken to Vince Wilfork since last season,” Smith said. “My expectation is that Vince is not playing anymore.”"

Is this for real?

Well, as I begrudgingly admit, Smith is probably right.

But, you never know, Wilfork may decide to come back to the football field.

Would the Texans take him back?

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I’d definitely say yes — but certainly at the right price — as he just completed a fair and equitable two-year, $9 million deal.

I’m sure his phone is ringing off the hook from teams convincing him to return as he was still quite good in his role and stayed relatively healthy during his tenure with the Texans.

But Vince will sit silent, weigh his options and decide what’s best for him.

Unfortunately, the Texans can’t wait on him to decide as deadlines have to met and roster needs to be shaped for the upcoming season.

D.J. Reader, the Clemson rookie defensive tackle stepped up big time when Wilfork was either resting or had to miss a game — he only missed one while with the Texans — and he’s the odds-on favorite to win the job.

I was impressed by his level of play and although he won’t cover like Vince did — he’s still learning the position — I think we won’t see a drop-off in that area of the field.

I’m sure Wilfork mentored Reader throughout last season and the results started to pay off on the football field.

Next: My Houston Texans 2017 Season Prediction

Whatever he decides, I know it will be the best for he and his family.

It was a pleasure having him on this roster and I wish him nothing but the best.

And besides? How could you not get a kick out of those coveralls he introduced on Hard Knocks?

Haha!

Wilfork, 35, recorded 16 tackles (12 assisted) and one pass defensed in 31 games from 2015-16.

Go Texans.

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