Rick Smith believes Vince Wilfork will retire

Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Texans need to find Vince Wilfork’s replacement.

While it’s obvious that the Texans need a quarterback and a right tackle this offseason, there’s also one other hole they need to fill.

With defensive tackle Vince Wilfork pretty much retired, Houston needs to find his replacement.

While talking to the media on Friday, Texans general manager Rick Smith said he believes Wilfork is done with football.

From the Houston Chronicle:

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

I find it interesting that Smith hasn’t spoken with Wilfork.  You would think he would want an answer from him on whether he plans on continuing his career and if he’s interested in signing a new contract.

Then again it certainly sounded like Wilfork wasn’t in a rush to get back on the field when reading his comments from March.

"“I’m not really paying attention to the decision right now,” Wilfork said in March. “When it’s time to make a decision, I’ll make a decision. I don’t know when that will be. I’m in no rush whatsoever.”"

As of right now I’m sure the Texans are moving on as if Wilfork won’t be back.

Also given the fact that Wilfork is a free agent, if he wants to come back and play he can choose where ever he wants to play if he’s ever ready.

I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Texans would welcome Vince Wilfork back during the summer if he gets the itch to play.

More from Toro Times

When looking at the draft, the top defensive tackle that could help the Texans would be Caleb Brantley of Florida. He’s a versatile player that can play the nose or the three-technique. Brantley is a second round prospect.

Larry Ogunjobi out of NC State is expected to be taken somewhere in the second or third round and is another option for the Texans.

Calvin Tomlinson of Alabama is known as a run-stopper and is a prospect that is expected to be taken within the third or fourth round.

Then again, the Texans could give Wilfork’s job to D.J. Reader.