Thursday’s NFL news: Vince Wilfork, Darnell Dockett and more

The New England Patriots are working to get under the salary cap by the March 10 deadline, and took a large step toward that by releasing nose tackle Vince Wilfork on Thursday morning, per Wilfork’s Twitter account. The Patriots declined to pick up Wilfork’s 2015 option, saving them $8.06 million in cap space.

New England is in the midst of reshaping its defense. The Patriots are likely to let safety Devin McCourty and corner Darrelle Revis both test free agency, although they still have interest in making runs at both. Wilfork will head elsewhere after playing 11 terrific seasons at Foxboro. Wilfork, 33, is one of the greatest nose tackles of all-time, earning a pair of Super Bowl rings.

With Wilfork off the books, the Patriots are still $4.7 million over the cap. New England will have to be creative if it wants to retain either McCourty or Revis, already having restructured Tom Brady’s contract to save cash.

Dockett signs with 49ers

Defensive lineman Darnell Dockett is staying in the NFC West, but trading in his Arizona Cardinals uniform for the San Francisco 49ers, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus. Dockett signed a two-year, $7.5 million deal with San Francisco, giving them a strong defensive end across from veteran Justin Smith.

Dockett missed all of the 2014 season with a torn ACL and was cut by the Cardinals last week. Arizona general manager Steve Keim expressed interest in bringing Dockett back into the fold at a lower cap number, but could not convince him to spurn the 49ers. San Francisco has $6.5 million remaining under the cap, which will almost all be allocated to its upcoming draft class.

Douglas visiting Titans

Wide receiver Harry Douglas was released by the Atlanta Falcons in February, and is visiting the Tennessee Titans on Thursday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Douglas had a terrific year in 2013, eclipsing 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. In 2014, Douglas dropped back to an average season, catching 51 passes for 556 yards and two touchdowns.

Douglas, 30, would join a Tennessee receiving core which features youngsters Justin Hunter and Kendall Wright. With Nate Washington likely moving on via free agency, Douglas is a nice option.

Hartline visiting Texans

The Houston Texans are moving on from Andre Johnson, and are looking to get younger at the wide receiver position. On Thursday, Drew Rosenhaus reports that Brian Hartline will be visiting Houston. Hartline, 28,  was cut by the Miami Dolphins as a cap casualty, only a year removed from two consecutive 1,00-yard campaigns.

In 2014, Hartline caught 39 passes for 474 yards and two touchdowns.

About Matt Verderame

Matt Verderame, 26, is a New Yorker who went to school at the frozen tundra of SUNY Oswego. After graduating, Verderame has worked for Gannett and SB Nation among other ventures.

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