Mario Williams To Sign With Miami Dolphins

Finding help along the defensive line, particular with pass rushers was a top priority for the Miami Dolphins.  Seems they found their solution, plucking recent cap casualty Mario Williams off the market from their rival Buffalo Bills.

Here is what the veteran defensive end could be bringing to South Beach.

"“Once regarded as the top pass-rusher in the NFL, Williams has seen his production and reputation drop over the past few years. Last season, he only had 19 tackles, five of which were sacks. That is 23 less tackles and 9.5 less sacks than his 2014 campaign. Not to mention, his demeanor has turned sour, according to some general managers. He is certainly a risky free agent, but has shown throughout his career that he can pressure the quarterback. If Williams is put in the right situation, he can succeed.”"

At age 31, Williams is at the tail end of his physical prime.  Given the Dolphins run a 4-3 system, this is the best situation for him to land in.  The fact he’ll be joining the same front as Ndamukong Suh undoubtedly added to the allure of the deal.  If he plays up to his old form from 2014 (14.5 sacks), it’s a great fit.

GRADE:  B+

As far as the deal itself, much will depend on if it’s really around $8 million or more that Miami agreed to sign him for.  Their salary cap situation may have been temporarily softened by restructuring so many deals, but signing an aged pass rusher like Williams could threaten to only make their long-term problems that much worse.  Then again, this team is about winning right now given their roster situation.