Vince Wilfork to join Texans

ByABC News
March 16, 2015, 4:00 PM

— -- Former New England Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork announced Monday that he will sign with the Houston Texans.

Wilfork will sign a two-year deal worth $9 million, including $5 million in guaranteed money, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Wilfork tweeted his decision to join the Texans and also posted a screenshot of a lengthier message in which he thanked the Patriots.

The 33-year-old Wilfork became a free agent when the Patriots decided not to exercise his option for the 2015 season. The Patriots created $8.06 million in salary-cap space with the move.

Wilfork likely will compete for a starting job with the Texans, who have a shortage on the interior of their defensive line.

Ryan Pickett started 13 games at nose tackle -- Wilfork's customary position -- in Houston's 3-4 defensive scheme this past season. But the 35-year-old Pickett was not re-signed this offseason and may consider retirement.

Houston also has second-year defensive lineman Louis Nix III, who underwent knee surgery prior to last season and did not appear in a game as a rookie.

Wilfork returned from a torn Achilles tendon in 2014 and played 73.4 percent of New England's defensive snaps. His primary responsibility was to take on multiple blockers against the run and provide a powerful pocket-pushing presence up the middle on passing plays.

A five-time Pro Bowler, Wilfork won two Super Bowls in his 11 seasons with the Patriots.

ESPN.com Patriots reporter Mike Reiss contributed to this report.