Hard To See Mario Williams Anywhere But Philadelphia

It became just a matter of time for Mario Williams leaving the Buffalo Bills.  His days in Houston long ago proved that he was not cut out for playing in a 3-4 scheme as a linebacker.  His true calling was a hand-in-the-dirt role as a defensive end in a 4-3.  Chances are he’ll seek any teams out in free agency that run that type of system.

As luck would have it, the Philadelphia Eagles are switching that way in 2016, and have a particular need for help with edge rush.  However, that alone is not the reason to believe that it’s a near certainty Williams will join that team.

They also have one added advantage.

"“Familiarity is another popular motivator for all-of-a-sudden free agents, and Mario Williams might jump at the chance to play for former defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Williams had a career-best 14.5 sacks under Schwartz during an All-Pro campaign in 2014. Their connection seemed to be one of the best Williams has had over a career underscored by constant change at head coach and defensive coordinator. Williams had a lot to say about Rex Ryan’s defense in Buffalo, but he also hadhis perfect defense to compare it to.”"

Jim Schwartz is one of the top defensive coordinators in football and has a long history of building productive lines with capable pass rushes.  Williams is out to show the league that at age 31 his season in 2015 wasn’t about him getting old or losing a step.  It was about him not being used properly.  Reuniting with the man who got the most out of him as a professional makes too much logical sense.

The Eagles don’t have a ton of cap space ($18.6 million) but they should have more than enough to afford Williams, who is in no position to demand what he was making in Buffalo given his age and diminished production.  It’s the kind of short-term flier on a big-name veteran that can work out huge if the team has a good situation for him to join.

Which Philadelphia now does.