A coaching and scheme change to a 3-4 defense probably made the move inevitable. Defensive end Mario Williams has already tried the outside linebacker routine from his days in Houston. In fact, that’s part of why he left. Now it’s happening all over again with the Buffalo Bills and expectations are for the two sides to go their separate ways in the off-season.
"“High-priced defensive end Mario Williams will be cut by the Bills this offseason, a person with direct knowledge of discussions told The Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team does not publicly discuss its player personnel plans.No timetable was provided as to when Williams will be cut, but the person said the team’s top pass-rushing threat’s final game will be Buffalo’s home game against the New York Jets (10-5). The Bills (7-8) have already been eliminated from the playoffs.Walking off the field following practice, Williams told The AP he hasn’t been informed by the Bills about his future.“I can’t say anything but if it is (my last game), I’ll talk to you on Tuesday,” Williams said.”"
Even at age 31, Williams should still be considered one of the better pass rushers in the NFL. He had 14.5 sacks in 2014 and only after switching to Rex Ryan’s 3-4 scheme did he suffer a regression. In all likelihood this means he’ll seek out a team that will play him as a classic 4-3 defensive end. So who are some potential 2016 NFL free agency destinations?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Means, motive and opportunity always result in things happening. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a 4-3 under Lovie Smith. They need help with their pass rush on the edges and they’ll have over $46 million in salary cap space to spend this March. There is no reason to think they won’t jump at the chance to add Williams, especially since Smith has had such success with veteran pass rushers before (i.e. Julius Peppers).
New York Giants
Changes are coming for the New York Giants. Tom Coughlin is now expected to resign, leaving bigger issues than the one that has dogged them for the past five years: pass rush problems. The defense hasn’t had a consistently good rush since their last Super Bowl and Jason Pierre-Paul, their best, became damaged good after his fireworks incident. They really need a boost. Williams would be the man to bring it.
Carolina Panthers
Given his age, there is no doubt Williams is starting to feel the pressure to get a ring before it’s too late. So he will likely look to teams that are contenders. The Carolina Panthers are one such team and they will be searching for help with their pass rush, which hasn’t performed at optimal level most of 2015 despite the teams’ success. They won’t have a ton of cap space, but enough to make one or two key deals.
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