Green Bay Packers free agent target: Vince Wilfork

The Green Bay Packers are dealing with a lot of moving pieces as 2015 free agency opens. The signing of Randall Cobb eliminates their most challenging negotiation from the picture, but additions will still be needed on the defensive side of the ball to shore up the nose tackle, inside linebacker, and perhaps even cornerback positions.

Of these defensive needs, the nose tackle is typically the most difficult to address through the draft, which is Ted Thompson‘s preferred hunting ground. Not only is a unique body needed, but also a unique skill set. If the Packers do choose to address the nose in free agency, could former New England Patriots’ star Vince Wilfork be a realistic option on a short-term deal?

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Wilfork announced via Twitter earlier this week that the Pats would not be picking up his option for 2015, following in Bill Belichick’s preference of moving on from a player one year too early instead of one year too late. Green Bay typically holds a similar value in terms of drafting and developing younger players, but did step outside this past offseason with the signing of outside linebacker Julius Peppers. Ted Thompson has struck it rich with the veteran signing of Charles Woodson, as well.

Vince Wilfork was a cornerstone in the New England Patriots dominance over the past decade, and despite being 33 years old and one year removed from a season-ending achilles injury, I’m confident that there is something left in the tank. This is not a running back we are talking about, and space-eating defensive tackles have shown the ability to play into their mid-30’s at a high level.

Green Bay’s plan at nose tackle went sideways last year following B.J. Raji‘s own season-ending injury late in training camp. Letroy Guion filled in and even excelled towards the end of the year, and it has seemed likely that the Packers would work to return one of these two as a starter or rotational lineman. Given Raji’s strong camp last year back at the nose position, and the possibility that he could demand just $2-3 million on a one year deal, I viewed him as the optimal fill-in while Green Bay addresses the position in the draft.

Nov 28, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end B.J. Raji (90) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Wilfork’s emergence on the free agent market warrants a discussion, at the very least. His addition to the Packers would force teams to choose between running up the middle at one of this generation’s stronger run defenders, or bouncing outside into the arms of Julius Peppers and Clay Matthews. The presence of Wilfork up front could also aid in the growth of Sam Barrington and any inside linebacker that the Packers select in April.

A multitude of questions remain, however, and they would all need to be answered in Green Bay’s favor for the situation to work. Does Wilfork have enough football left that he would offer a worthwhile upgrade over Raji when the financial investment is considered? Will the Patriots offer to keep him on a cheaper contract? Most importantly, would Wilfork even want to come to Green Bay?

This is a man who has grown used to chasing championships. The Packers organization is in a song position to do that over the next three seasons, but unless Wilfork accepts a lighter contract to wear the green and gold, this dream scenario may remain just that. Vince Wilfork and Julius Peppers seem more like a Madden 2006 team than a 2015 NFL pairing, but the chance remains, however razor thin and unlikely, that the two could unite in Green Bay.

Next: Packers draft target: Stephone Anthony

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