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Vince Wilfork Makes Sense for Detroit Lions as Veteran Plug Along Defensive Line

By Max DeMara

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The Detroit Lions haven’t officially lost Ndamukong Suh yet, but with news that he plans to visit the Oakland Raiders next week, it’s becoming clear the likelihood of a possible divorce is fast approaching.

In the event that happens, what could the Lions do to plug the massive hole left by Suh? Fortunately, there are plenty of options, from signing a bigger name long-term option such as Terrance Knighton or Jared Odrick to signing some underrated free agents like Athyba Rubin or Kendall Langford.

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Thursday, a new name entered the picture when the New England Patriots released Vince Wilfork, their 33 year-old defensive tackle. On a short term contract (think two years) signing a player like Wilfork and drafting new tackles for him to groom would make plenty of sense for the Lions. It could be the best way for the team to handle the loss of Suh affordably and sensibly.

Wilfork, though he is aging and beginning to take a bit more wear and tear, is coming off a productive return from surgery in 2014 in which the defensive tackle racked up 47 combined tackles, grabbed one interception and played in every game. Throughout his career, he’s been a pure, durable run stuffing tackle capable of also collapsing the pocket.

Pairing Wilfork with Detroit’s defensive line would be interesting, especially given the range of pass rushers and run disruptors the Lions already have. There wouldn’t be pressure on Wilfork to attack the quarterback, but merely eat space against the run and allow others time to heat up the pocket. Detroit could also mix and match the amount they used Wilfork within their line rotation, keeping him fresh and effective.

As finding a mentor for a team looking to take the next step is considered, there’s nobody better than Wilfork available on the open market considering his playoff success and loaded resume. He’s a decorated competitor with a history of being a great teammate. Without question, young players like Ziggy Ansah, Caraun Reid, George Johnson and whomever else Detroit chooses to add within free agency and the draft would benefit from his presence.

Best of all, adding Wilfork wouldn’t cost an over-abundance of salary funds for the long-term like a Knighton or Odrick, and would allow the Lions to help fill the position vacated by Suh and address their other needs while also mixing in younger tackles at the same time. Wilfork could help groom his eventual replacements while also still playing a significant role on a team that expects to be contenders.

Best of all, adding Wilfork wouldn’t cost an over-abundance of salary funds for the long-term like a Knighton or Odrick, and would allow the Lions to help fill the position vacated by Suh and address their other needs while also mixing in younger tackles at the same time.

For Detroit, the move to nab Wilfork seems like such an obvious win-win all the way around they should begin to explore it after their first inkling that Suh is planning on heading out of town.

Wilfork might have plenty of opportunities on the open market, but if the Lions soon come calling like they should, he might not see any better place to continue to make as big of an impact as he hopes while also winning.

Essentially, for both parties, a union would help kill multiple birds with one stone, and might prove to become the best move of the offseason.

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