HOUSTON — Vince Wilfork bristled when asked what he could teach J.J. Watt.

Then the 12-year veteran and first-year Houston Texan let out a hearty chuckle.

“Teach him what?” he bellowed. “What am I going to teach J.J.?”

The big nose tackle has joined Watt, last year’s Defensive Player of the Year, in Houston after spending the first 11 years of his career with the New England Patriots. While he isn’t expecting to serve as a teacher to Watt, he thinks he could learn a thing or two from the 26-year old.

“He’s a prime example of what the NFL is looking for when they talk about guys that know how to play this game and be a professional and be a human being,” Wilfork said. “He’s a perfect person, so that’s what I’m going to learn from him. We’re going to compete every day.”

When asked what lesson he could learn from Wilfork, Watt joked about the 325-pounder’s notorious love of food.

“I’m sure he can teach me how to barbecue, that’s for sure,” Watt deadpanned.

Watt and Wilfork have already developed a close relationship and are often seen talking and playing around together before and during practice. Watt said he sees Wilfork, who won two Super Bowl titles with the Patriots, as an older brother.

It’s clear that Wilfork is fitting in nicely with his new team. But he’s careful to let his teammates come to him and not try to push himself on them as they get to know him.

“This is my 12th year in the league, but I’m new here,” Wilfork said. “Just get a chance to let guys understand how I am, who I am, and what I’m here for. I’m all ears and I’m a sponge. You can sit and talk to me about anything in the locker room. They know that.”

Wilfork, a five-time Pro Bowler, joins a defense that not only has Watt, but also features last year’s top overall pick, Jadeveon Clowney. The outside linebacker is recovering from microfracture surgery, but is expected to return to practice on Aug. 17.

Watt has enjoyed watching Wilfork work and is looking forward to what he can bring to a team that’s trying to return to the postseason after a two-year absence.

“For a big guy, Vince moves so well. He’s so fluid,” Watt said. “He’s so effective with what he does. You look at a guy his size and you would think there is no way he can do what he does but he’s incredible and he works extremely hard at it.”

SEAHAWKS: On the heels of signing quarterback Russell Wilson to a contract extension, Seattle has locked up All-Pro middle linebacker Bobby Wagner.

The Seahawks and Wagner finalized a four-year extension late Saturday night, making sure Seattle keeps Wagner beyond the 2015 season when his rookie contract was set to expire.

NFL.com reported the deal is worth $43 million, which would make Wagner the highest-paid middle linebacker in football.

• The Seahawks released veteran defensive tackle Tony McDaniel to save salary cap space. McDaniel was set to make $2.5 million in base salary.

COWBOYS: Defensive end Jeremy Mincey, the team’s sack leader in 2014, ended a brief holdout after missing the first three days of camp as he seeks a contract extension.

Mincey, 31, is set to earn $1.5 million in the final year of a two-year contract.

BILLS: Coach Rex Ryan named Richie Incognito as the team’s starting left guard, alongside center Eric Wood and left tackle Cordy Glenn.

Incognito hasn’t played in a game since midway through the 2013 season, when he was suspended for being a central figure in a Miami Dolphins bullying scandal that led to offensive lineman Jonathan Martin leaving the team.

JETS: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson left practice because of a tweaked hamstring, an injury Coach Todd Bowles said isn’t serious.