The Kansas City Chiefs will largely sit tight in free agency due to a lack of need and money, but Vince Wilfork presents an interesting option to replace Dontari Poe.
With Dontari Poe hitting the free agent market and likely to leave Kansas City, the Chiefs are going to need some help replacing his presence in the middle. There’s no one else on the roster who can quite match his size and run-stuffing ability, and the loss of a rotational body should at least put the Chiefs on the hunt alone. Whether the draft or free agency, expect the Chiefs to bring in someone else.
What if that someone else came with a Super Bowl ring? Vince Wilfork is a free agent after two years with the Houston Texans. At age 35, Wilfork is near the end of his career and was rumored to be considering retirement. However, Wilfork recently indicated an interest in keeping his options open.
Vince Wilfork at Academy Sports on if he's made his decision on retirement 'Not at all. I'm in no rush'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 9, 2017
If Wilfork is ready to play another year, he would offer the Chiefs, or any other team, an anchor along the defensive front with the size and skill to aid the run defense. His championship experience as a 13-year veteran would fit well in Kansas City’s locker room, and could even help mentor younger players like Chris Jones and Rakeem Nunez-Roches. Wilfork has started 47 games in the last three years, so there’s no reason to believe his ironman streakc cannot continue for another year.
The price would have to be right for Wilfork and the Chiefs, but it’s likely that Wilfork takes his time to make a decision. The Chiefs are also in a waiting game until the big money deals calm down. Maybe together, they can find a win-win situation for both sides.