Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien has revealed his delight over the signing of veteran defensive tackle Vince Wilfork.

The 33-year-old was allowed to leave the New England Patriots following their Super Bowl triumph in the 2014 season, and was targeted by three clubs in the NFL.

Wilfork penned a two-year deal with the AFC South team, and O'Brien feels that the veteran's presence will be a huge help to the younger players at the club, including All-Pro JJ Watt.

"We're thrilled to have him," O'Brien told the Boston Herald. "He brings a lot to the table for us that's going to help our team and help our younger players.

"JJ and Vince have already spoken a few times. They're both very excited about having the opportunity to line up next to each other. Vince, I know, has a ton of respect for JJ, and it's the same from JJ to Vince.

"I think it'll be a great experience for JJ to have a guy who's been in the system for a long, long time, similar to what we're doing in Houston, so he'll be able to bounce questions off him."

Wilfork recorded 516 tackles, 16 sacks and three interceptions in his 11 years with the Patriots.