“Better Than What I’ve Been Before”
February 10th, 2016
Yes, you, Mr. Licht.
Joe confesses to yearning for a fierce edge pass rusher only 1.8 percent less than Joe desires an evening of hot tubbing with Rachel Watson and four cheerleader friends of her choosing.
But recent developments might even the score.
The 2006 No. 1 overall pick, longtime manbeast defensive end Mario Williams, is talking again. This time it’s extra loud, given that it’s to BSPN and A+ reporter Josina Anderson.
Williams is letting the world know (again) that he wants no part of his Bills head coach, Rex Ryan, and their 3-4 defense. At the same time, Williams is trumpeting that he’s still the guy who churned out 38 sacks in 2012, 2013, 2014, before falling victim to Buffalo’s new defense last year.
Williams is due $11.5 million in 2016, per the Associated Press, and he’s expected to be cut.
Williams told BSPN his new team will reap the benefits: ” … Like, that is why I’m saying, I’m prepared for anything because I know I’m going to prove a point and that is not even a question in my mind. At the end of the day, if I’m not there, I’ll show you that I’m better than what I’ve been before. Like, that’s just a chip on my shoulder regardless of whether I am there or not, because given the opportunity I’ll get back to what I was.”
Might Jason Licht and the Bucs consider ending the drama and trading for Williams, who is only under contract through 2017? That’s an interesting question. Buffalo might be yearning for a late-round pick to help fill their needs at running back, since LeSean McCoy has been smacking around cops and is sure to be slapped by Roger Goodell. Or maybe the Bucs could free Mike James and close a deal for Williams.
If Williams somehow lands with Carolina or Atlanta, two teams yearning for a 4-3 edge rusher, then Joe might explode the likes of which haven’t been seen on these pages in ages.
February 10th, 2016 at 10:09 am
Carolina already in trouble with money and Atlanta is in still paying Matty ice so I’m not worried about those two
February 10th, 2016 at 10:12 am
Very few edge rushers in NFL history have accomplished – what Mario Williams has done ; so far. He’s 5 sacks away from hitting the century mark – before 31
Hopefully we sign Mario Williams – because we need an established edge rusher – that pen his ears back – and get after the quarterback. Not some guy that some guy still learning the position.
February 10th, 2016 at 10:12 am
*not some guy – still learning the position
February 10th, 2016 at 10:22 am
Joe I LOVE the trade idea. Bucs have the cap space, and giving up say a 5th rounder for a guy the Bills will cut anyway, is a great idea. Hell we gave up a 5th for sackless Johnson. Get Williams in the fold, give his his pay( which would make him happy) and that is one HUGE hole filled before the draft. Why get into a bidding war and hope and pray he doesn’t go elsewhere.
February 10th, 2016 at 10:30 am
The Bills are loaded at RB, they don’t need Mike James, even if they lose LeSean McCoy.
Karlos Williams looks great and they have Mike Gillislee who flashed some promise late in the season.
I would love to see Mario Williams as a Buc, though, but I doubt the Bills take back a RB in Mike James who likely won’t even be a Buc himself in 2016.
February 10th, 2016 at 10:37 am
Yes, I would love to acquire this stud in a trade. Improving our d-line will go a long way in improving our Defense as a whole. You build from the front, but we need better back-end players as well.
February 10th, 2016 at 10:52 am
Go get this guy! Then trade up for Bosa! The rest of the league won’t know what hit them!
February 10th, 2016 at 10:52 am
Bobby rainey for Mario Williams?
Get it done, Licht!!!
Or Mike James, but who would want an ineffective RB (other than his rookie year).
February 10th, 2016 at 11:12 am
Tippy-toein’ Sims and a box of Ybor City’s finest cigars for Mario Bro Williams in a heartbeat.
February 10th, 2016 at 11:16 am
Not getting my hopes up
February 10th, 2016 at 11:25 am
Yeah Man!
Think about what Ware did for Denver.
Mario would be awesome.
Break out that wallet!
February 10th, 2016 at 11:26 am
Unfortunately the Bills look solid at QB or this is one place I would have offered up MG8 if we could get Williams and prenegotiate a few more years onto this deal.
Absent any players that might interest the Bills it’s going to be draft picks I guess.
February 10th, 2016 at 11:39 am
There’s going to be a real bidding war but Mike Smith and Jay Hayes have a pretty solid reputation and I believe that gives us a better shot.
Pretty sure a playoff contender is going to overspend. Ghosts of the Ghost Johnson may cause Licht to be a little conservative too IMO.
February 10th, 2016 at 11:41 am
Please god
February 10th, 2016 at 11:45 am
Mario Williams is great on Extra but I thought he was even better on saved by the bell.
February 10th, 2016 at 11:48 am
Get him!!!! And draft a DE round 1
February 10th, 2016 at 12:47 pm
get him or Bruce Irving….GO BUCS!!!
February 10th, 2016 at 12:48 pm
I would be all over this one. I personally like the idea of offering them a 6th rounder to take on his 11 million owed next season. And have him for the following season as well if he performs. If he doesn’t then we can cut him and try again. By the way he is talking. He has a point to prove. The 3-4 system has hurt his legacy. So you know he wants to fix that ASAP.
Pick him or Hardy up in FA and draft someone like Carl Nassib in the 3rd. He is a beast of a DE. He had 15.5 sacks this past season and 6 forced fumbles. He was a one season wonder, which is partly why he would be available in the 3rd, but those numbers don’t lie. We would finally have some legit DEs that we haven’t had since Rice. And the best part is we would still have our 1st n 2nd round picks to help out the O Line, DB, or WR. Whatever positions we don’t fill in Free Agency.
February 10th, 2016 at 1:00 pm
They don’t have much of a need at running back with or without McCoy considering Karlos Williams outplayed him this past season. I doubt they envy Mike James.
February 10th, 2016 at 1:25 pm
Is their cap money for Williams on one end, and Oliver Vernon on the other?
February 10th, 2016 at 1:30 pm
Rainey and a 5th for Williams.
February 10th, 2016 at 2:11 pm
Damn, Joe – that’s brilliant! Instead of waiting for him to get cut, get into a bidding war for his services, and be stuck with a long term contract he likely won’t complete, you trade for him and his two years remaining with the possibility of renegotiating the contract later based on actual performance!
February 10th, 2016 at 2:44 pm
A pretty decent DE with a chip on his shoulder?
Naaah the Bucs don’t need any of that! (sarcasm)
February 10th, 2016 at 3:07 pm
Yes Rachel Watson was glorious
February 10th, 2016 at 3:32 pm
He’s a freak athlete just like Julius Peppers. Peppers is still producing. I look at this like when Peppers went to Chicago. This guy can play for another 3 years AT LEAST!!
February 10th, 2016 at 4:03 pm
i like the trade option more and more that I think about it for two reasons, bucs have sucked for years drafting de’s and have wasted numerous high round draft picks trying to get an edge rusher. I am not saying don’t draft a de this year but don’t make it a need so they can select best player available. Also, I highly doubt bucs stand a chance in hell signing Mario if he hits the free agent market. I would think Philly with Schwartz would have the advantage. Bucs are going to have to win first before being an attractive destination for free agents. Having winston might be good enough to get a receiver but no one decent with options is going to want to play for tampa until they start winning and get out of the basement.
February 10th, 2016 at 5:00 pm
Does Seattle have cash to burn?
February 10th, 2016 at 5:10 pm
I think that trading for him might be the only way that we get him. Unless we throw the kitchen sink at him. And I don’t know what his contract #s are now, but if he hits FA then we will probably have to give him more than what he’s making now. In any case I still think that we have to take Noah Spence @ #9 if he is there. There is no way in hell that he will drop past the Cardinals, so if u want to take Billings or nkemdechi @ #9 and then trade back into the high 20s to take Spence if you think he will be there
February 10th, 2016 at 5:47 pm
I absolutely want Mario Williams! Trading for him works for me…. Especially if you put ASJ in the deal. He has upside potential and teams will value that, but I’m totally done with him. Or package him with #9 and a late round pick to move up a couple of spots. Either way Williams on this team = 20+ sacks next year for Williams and GMC combined!
February 10th, 2016 at 5:50 pm
HIRE JIMBO….”Williams is due $11.5 million in 2016, per the Associated Press, and he’s expected to be cut.- Joe
February 10th, 2016 at 5:52 pm
I think I’m not talking about the draft until after FA.
February 10th, 2016 at 5:55 pm
Didn’t Mike Smith bring in John Abraham to Atlanta?? Lightning in a bottle twice anyone?!?!
February 10th, 2016 at 6:02 pm
Bucs infamous DE draft picks……Adams, Claiborne, Bowers….
I think its time to open up the Glazer Wallet for 2016. Give Williams a one year “Prove Yourself” contract loaded with incentives, option 2017,18 etc.
Could you just imagine him next to McCoy with a blitzing Kwon or David (or both)……OH YEAH
February 10th, 2016 at 8:20 pm
For everybody that is saying trade or pick up his existing contract better read the fine print. The 11.5mil is just his base salary. There’s a lot more to pay. Might want to rethink what you’re willing to pay a 31 year old for the next 2 years.
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/mario-williams/
February 10th, 2016 at 10:32 pm
Wow…there are some pretty stupid Bucs’ fan on this thread. Like Sarah Palin slow!!!!!! Why should Jason Licht trade limited draft picks for an aging DE with a high cap number if the Bills release him.
February 11th, 2016 at 1:24 am
His contract isnt too bad. I would love for the bucs to trade for him and lock him up. If he gets out on the open market there is only a sliver of a chance he signs in tampa. Make a deal for him and guarantee we have him here. Make it happen.
February 11th, 2016 at 8:41 am
Why in the world would we trade ASJ for Mario wen we can get him for a late round pick? “Alstott up th gut”? Give the man a chance would ya? It’s not his fault he’s gotten injured his first two seasons. The guy is a serious talent and I can’t wait for him to show all the haters what he can do wen he’s healthy. He hasn’t even been able to play a full season and your giving up on him. Give the man sum time before u label him a bust.
February 11th, 2016 at 8:50 am
Hey “pissed off bucs fan” wasn’t julius peppers and demarcus ware “ageing” DE’s when they hit FA? How did that turn out for the teams that signed them? You heard what he said, he’s got a chip on his shoulder and ready to prove he’s still the monster he was the year before with 15.5 sacks. That shows you he’s not just looking for a pay check like ghost Johnson who got home sick. Awww poor baby. Sign Mario and draft another edge rusher and we’ll be in good shape. GO BUCS!!!
February 12th, 2016 at 1:01 pm
Mike James for Mario Williams? That would be highway robbery.