The Case For Signing Mario Williams
by Bruce Raffel on Feb 15, 2012 4:00 PM EST
Email
Print
The Baltimore Ravens' defense has been one of the best in the NFL for most of the past decade. Despite the future retirements of both Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, this defense should be just fine and in the good hands of Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, Lardarius Webb, among others. With a few players looming as possible free agents, the team will have to make decisions based on the salary cap and jettison high-priced players on both sides of the ball.
Will the Ravens be willing to pick up one of the more expensive free agents on the open market with so many of their own players at or near the end of their current deals and due to be rewarded with huge paydays themselves? Can the team dump decent players with high cap numbers in return for picking up that one player that could ensure this tam continues to terrorize offenses for years to come?
Houston Texans OLB Mario Williams might be one of the most expensive players out there when free agency opens up on March 8th, but might he consider taking a slightly lesser salary to play with Ray and Ed, as well as the chance of going to the Super Bowl in the very near future?
Before having his 2011 season ended due to injury, Williams was thought to be one of the best defensive players in the league, young enough to stay in that discussion for years to come. Moving from defensive end to outside linebacker was not his idea but he adapted to it like a fish to water. In a little over five NFL seasons, Williams has 53 sacks and prior to his injury this past season, he was averaging a sack a game in the five he played, according to his profile on NFL.com.
At 6'6" and 283 pounds, the 27-year old Williams is in the prime of his career. His size and freakish athletic abilities would be an amazing complement to Terrell Suggs and together they would make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. With Ray Lewis in the middle, the three of them along with Ngata and Terrence Cody in the middle would leave no holes in the front seven of this already stout defense.
However, what would the cost of adding someone of Williams' ability be to the detriment of other current Ravens? Certainly, the team would have to let veteran Jarret Johnson go, and most likely it would mean that guard Ben Grubbs would not be re-signed. WR Lee Evans has a high cap number so unless he is released and then re-signed, he could be cut as well.
Knowing the way the Ravens Front Office operates, if the team wants Mario, they can find a way to make it work, cap-wise. Unfortunately, tough decisions on other players, both on the Ravens and in possible other free agents, would be greatly affected. The signing of Williams by the Ravens would probably mean that other than players needed to fill out the roster, the team's foray into free agency would be marginal and the NFL Draft would provide their best bet at filling the other needs of the team on both sides of the ball.
Would it be worth it? Before the team makes that decision, it's your turn to have your say.
46 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I think this is a pipe dream, Bruce. Anyone, including me, would LOVE to see this happen, but Williams will most likely sign the most expensive defensive contract in history, considering his age and his ability to now play in multiple alignments. He would be perfect for us, or any other team, but I doubt it happens. This reminds me of the Asomugha talks last year — nice idea, wasn’t going to happen.
Yeah
What Josh said…
Mario’s new contract will make Bobby Bonilla blush…
"A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring."
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
"God's whiskers! Your face is as hideous as the demon's in my storybook!"
"I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they do today."
"It's big for a reason."
For Pittsburgh fans, that's Pope, Twain, Rostand, Rogers and Megamind
Maybe he will see where Assman ended his season
And have second thoughts about how much money you need versus a piece of history.
Click
On my Bobby Bo link above and you will see what kind of just lunatic contract the Mets gave him…
"A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring."
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
"God's whiskers! Your face is as hideous as the demon's in my storybook!"
"I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they do today."
"It's big for a reason."
For Pittsburgh fans, that's Pope, Twain, Rostand, Rogers and Megamind
The timing of Flacco and Rice's contracts really sucks
This is one of the richest FA’s I’ve seen in a while at many different positions, and we’re strapped for cash. If there was a year to Ozzie to work his magic, it’d be this one!
No thanks
Wouldn’t mind having him, but not for the $$$ he will demand. Also, never been THAT impressed by him. For being the #1 pick, he only has 2 seasons of double digit sacks. 22.5 sacks over his last 34 games is nothing too special either.
Stick with Kruger and McPhizzle.
"Picture Me Rollin"
No way. Like others have said obviously he would be great to have, but when you factor the contract he will ask and coming off an injury I don’t even think Ozzie will consider it. It’s not like we are hurting in the sacks department.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
"It’s not like we are hurting in the sacks department."
But at times, the pass pressure was alarmingly non-existent.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Feb 15, 2012 4:46 PM EST up reply actions
True, but it’s something that can be corrected. We are not hurting enough that we need to spend 10 mill a year and lose other key guys for it when we already have some young pass rushers still developing and possibly could be adding another through the draft.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
I think a lot of that had to do with Haloti being hurt the 2nd half of the year
He just couldn’t collapse the pocket and create space for everyone else like he was doing early on.
Ngata is more of a
run stuffer and not a pass rusher. Five sacks would be great for him, but we need a second guy other than Suggs with 10+ sacks. Kruger playing 50% or less of the snaps won’t get there and doubtful McPhee will either. We need a three down guy to do that like when in 2006 we had Suggs, Adalius(?), Pryce who all went double-digit in sacks.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Feb 16, 2012 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
McPhee will never get there
without the opportunity (ie; signing Williams).
With the chance, I see no logical reason for you to conclude it’s doubtful McPhee develops into that player.
I definitely think McPhee can be that guy
he was drafted as a run stuffer, so we know he can do that. He got what, 5.5 or 6 sacks, I can’t remember which in VERY limited action. I’d love to see what he can do with a full offseason, another year of experience, and a lot of playing time. He’s gonna be an absolute force.
there are many ways to adress that without comitting cap suicide
"And, don’t get me started on Joe Flacco," Simms continued. "Did the experts watch the game? Joe didn’t miss a throw, not one. I watched every play. Every time he had the opportunity, he hit the guy. And, he made some moves so he could complete other throws. Are these people watching? What was Joe supposed to do with Texans in his face? Throw it up and hope? Sometimes a sack is a good thing. The object is to win the game. You did."
by jackmca on Feb 15, 2012 5:17 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
The Wizard could figure it out
If he wanted to git ’er done!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Feb 16, 2012 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
He's gonna get 15 million per year
I would love to have him here, but there’s no chance at all it happens
Hush you!
Never say never when we have the ‘Wizard of Oz!’
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Feb 15, 2012 4:46 PM EST up reply actions
This isn’t baseball Bruce, there is actually a salary cap. Sign Mario Williams, goodbye Rice, JJ, Jameel, Webb, etc.
"Picture Me Rollin"
Not really
Rice gets Franchised (about $7M/year), JJ is gone, Jameel and Webb get tendered ($2M each),……
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Feb 16, 2012 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
He clearly means next year Webb is gone when he is unrestricted.
And Jameel is not a RFA this year so we’d likely lose him now.
Hey, I'd be the first in line to buy a jersey if it happened
but I don’t think Ozzie is gonna sacrifice a bunch of other positions to get it done. We never sign free agents to big deals, we take care of our own first and get bargains when we need them.
This is worse than the Aso talk last year. Williams is going to get PAID and we are in just as bad of a position with the cap as last year with the same things we need to patch up. I see the money we do have going to resign our guys, get another lineman and maybe a WR to fill out our starting depth a little.
Monkey Feces for OC!
by Mstevens_Design on Feb 15, 2012 11:04 PM EST up reply actions
McAdoo has mad potential too. Kruger and McPhashty will only get better
"And, don’t get me started on Joe Flacco," Simms continued. "Did the experts watch the game? Joe didn’t miss a throw, not one. I watched every play. Every time he had the opportunity, he hit the guy. And, he made some moves so he could complete other throws. Are these people watching? What was Joe supposed to do with Texans in his face? Throw it up and hope? Sometimes a sack is a good thing. The object is to win the game. You did."
by jackmca on Feb 15, 2012 5:25 PM EST via Android app reply actions
Unless one or both of those guys
play every down, they won’t get it done nor will the combination equal what Mario would do to disrupt defenses.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Feb 16, 2012 9:22 AM EST up reply actions
Vonta now Williams?!
Stop taking out good players! Joking aside the only way you’re getting super Mario is if you pay him big bucks. If he is willing to take a pay cut then he’d stay in Houston; however, even we know that’s not going to happen. Besides we won’t have room for him after we sign Payton……. Hahaha! Likes that’s going to happen..
by CJ3m on Feb 15, 2012 6:06 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Do you guys want to sign Manning? What’s the general consensus over there? After hearing today that he’s had a total of 4 neck surgeries, with the possibility of more to come, would the Texans really take a chance on that? I think he ‘ought to retire and focus on staying healthy for his and his family’s sake.
As far as Mario, he isn’t ending up here. Too many of our own to sign and a lot of pass rushers waiting in the wings like: Kruger, Kindle, McAdoo and McPhee. I think McPhee will end up being one of the biggest steals of any draft over the past 5 years or so. 6 sacks in his rookie year for a 5th round pick….not too shabby.
Anyways, we’re quite happy with Pollard and Leach, so thanks for letting them go to become Ravens!
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
"53 Mighty Men of Baltimore"
by WestminsterRaven on Feb 15, 2012 7:07 PM EST up reply actions
generally
It’s about fifty-fifty. Schaub has been hurt a few times himself although never his neck, but if we can keep Mario, Schaub, and Foster then I rather have it that way. If we’re going to lose Mario then I rather pick up Manning. I’m sure someone out there (redskins) would at least give us a number 2 for Schaub. Do you think Manning would really come to Houston though? One can dream..
by CJ3m on Feb 15, 2012 11:35 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
But wait!
Your post season QB was supposed to be the second-coming the way the Texans fans came over here before the playoff game. It was like he was even better than Schaub, much less Peyton.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Feb 16, 2012 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
every team has those guys
I like how they disappear in between seasons though. I remember some of yours talking about it being impossible for Houston to beat Baltimore, but hey it only came down to seven. Anyways, Schaub got us points in 7 out of 10 opening drives and around 25 points per game, where as Yates was getting 17. Don’t get me wrong I like Yates like you guys like Flacco. He can be another Schaub in two years but I rather have Lienart as our number two again this year. I would feel alright if we traded Schaub and let Mario go for Peyton. A 75% Peyton is better than a 90% Schaub. I put it to a co-worker this way, “wait a minute, your saying we could have Peyton and possibly a number 2 pick for the price of two guys we didn’t even play with the second half of the season last year?!”
by CJ3m on Feb 16, 2012 11:17 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
There is no guarantee that Peyton can ever take a hit again. I think trading Schaub away would be a bad idea, and would in the long run set your team back. You guys have a top 1-5 defense heading into next year, with a great RB and one of the best WRs in the game. You’re not far away from competing steadily as is. I’d spend the money on grabbing a big time WR in FA, or grabbing one of the great WRs in the top rounds of this draft. I remember most HOU fans complaining about the lack of WRs opposite Andre. Get a guy that can be a great #2 to plug in opposite Johnson and your O should be set. I don’t think Peyton, in this health, will put you “over the top”, and if he gets hurt, then what? I know it’d be cool to see him stick it to Indy while in a Texans uni, but I don’t see it happening.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
"53 Mighty Men of Baltimore"
by WestminsterRaven on Feb 16, 2012 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
I absolutely agree
WR2 is an issue and something I would love to see resolved. I heard talk about finding another safety and moving Quinn back to corner. If that happens I feel that would be enough to make us the number one D in the NFL. Priority one is foster after that I rather have Mario go anyways because we could us the cap space.
by CJ3m on Feb 16, 2012 6:05 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Yes
You guys on Houston are completely set offensively as is if you can sign everybody back- QB, #1 WR, great running back, pretty good TE, best O-Line; the only thing you really need on the offensive side is a legit #2 slot receiver. And while you probably need a little more help on the defensive side, like said above, already a top five D -not too shabby.
My early prediction was you and us for the AFC Championship.
The only things that could derail you are if you lose Mario to FA, lose Foster to FA, Schaub doesn’t come back to his former glory, and/or another injury to ’Dre…
"A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring."
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
"God's whiskers! Your face is as hideous as the demon's in my storybook!"
"I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they do today."
"It's big for a reason."
For Pittsburgh fans, that's Pope, Twain, Rostand, Rogers and Megamind
Its free to dream
And unfortunately, this is but a dream. Williams is a definite stud, no doubt. He will however, be way out of reach salary-wise. I do envy the team that gets him and I really hope its not an AFC North competitor!
don't feel to bad
I personally am iffy about him. Looks awesome but I don’t feel he can play a full season. Would have been pretty sweet to have had him against you out last game though.
by CJ3m on Feb 15, 2012 11:38 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
hell yeah
he can replace the suggs guy on the end in the playoffs or maybe kick a chiop shot or hold onto a flippin corn hole toss to win it. G.D. i’d put anyone with a left nut on the team right now. i say we go Buddy Ryan Eagles…at least we body bag teams when we choke in the playoffs.
The Billy Lee Cameron Story presented by Hallmark.
A Little Early
Tonight, or are you drinking on Atlantic Time Zone time?
"A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring."
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
"God's whiskers! Your face is as hideous as the demon's in my storybook!"
"I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they do today."
"It's big for a reason."
For Pittsburgh fans, that's Pope, Twain, Rostand, Rogers and Megamind
indeed my friend. im am toasty roasty. i had the rather good fortune of pouring back some Schlitz that despite being in my el camino bed for a week still maintains its texture and fizzy dizzy. whats tonight? wednesday. hell yeah party on. who has it better then me? NOBODY!
The Billy Lee Cameron Story presented by Hallmark.
Hilarious!
My friend had an El Camino back in the late ’70’s and it was a great car (truck?) (pickup?)
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Feb 16, 2012 9:24 AM EST up reply actions
Actually
I think the El Camino was a cruel trick played on us by aliens as I believe early GM engineers discovered some alien doodles of what we now know of as an El Camino out at Area 51…
"A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring."
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
"God's whiskers! Your face is as hideous as the demon's in my storybook!"
"I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they do today."
"It's big for a reason."
For Pittsburgh fans, that's Pope, Twain, Rostand, Rogers and Megamind
Webb Camp
Lardarius Webb of the Baltimore Ravens and Roy Helu of the Washington Redskins will be holding their annual, 4 day 3 night, football camp from June 29-July 2 at McDaniel College, Westminster, MD. Go to www.footballcamps.com
by SI FOOTBALL CAMPS on Feb 21, 2012 10:52 AM EST reply actions
wishful thinking
As with Julius Peppers a few years ago this would be an amazing addition to any defense. Hasn’t Williams been plagued by injuries the last few years? Can’t remember. I would love to have him on our defense but there is simply no way we could ever afford him. As beautiful as it would be – it will never happen. Man could we pressure some offenses with him on the Ravens!! I do think McPhee is going to be the talk of the town next season especially if we lose Redding.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Baltimore Beat Down
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
