NFL.com: Arizona one of six potential landing spots for Mario Williams
Mar 3, 2016, 11:25 AM | Updated: 3:34 pm
In this Nov. 14, 2014, file photo, Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams (94) celebrates after sacking Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill during the second half of an NFL football game in Miami Gardens, Fla. For those who believe the guys who throw the football decide all NFL games, keep an eye on the guys who try to get those passers on the ground. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz, File)
(AP Photo/Alan Diaz, File)
The Arizona Cardinals want to add some pass rushing help this offseason, and have made it clear they would prefer to look toward the NFL Draft to do it.
But if the team decides to wade into the free agency waters for a sack master, they will be able to find someone who can get the job done, albeit for a price.
As of now the top option available is Mario Williams, who was recently cut by the Buffalo Bills but has a track record of being one of the game’s best at getting after the quarterback.
The former No. 1 overall pick in the draft has 96 career sacks, and though he tallied just five last season, notched 14.5 in 2014.
The 31-year-old would seem to have something left in the tank, and his services are going to be in high demand. According to Kevin Patra and Conor Orr of NFL.com, however, there are six teams that make sense for Williams to land with.
The Cardinals are one of them.
General manager Steve Keim promised to upgrade the pass rush this offseason. Williams could step in and provide an instant upgrade while the Cards bring along younger pieces. Bruce Arians loves veteran players and would nip in the bud any of the effort issues with Williams. The Cardinals put their players in the best position to make plays, so we wouldn’t worry about Williams dropping into coverage much under defensive coordinator James Bettcher. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, adding pass rushers is the priority, and Williams would fit the bill.
A veteran of 10 NFL seasons, there has been talk that the four-time Pro Bowler and one-time First-Team All-Pro took plays off last season. He also voiced displeasure over his role in Rex Ryan’s defense.
Most see him as a 4-3 defensive end, which would not seem to jive with the Cardinals, who run a base 3-4 defense.
The other teams listed as good fits for Williams are the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars.
