Is Mario Williams A Goner?

Is Mario Williams A Goner?

The Houston Texans drafted Mario Williams with the number one overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.  He was selected ahead of favorites Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart and Vince Young.  The move, which was second guessed by many, was obviously the right decision.  Williams has become one of the premier edge rushers in football.  His size and speed combo is as impressive as anyone outside of Julius Peppers. 

Houston, you have a problem.  Your 27 year old prized pass rusher is now a free agent and will not be cheap.  The franchise tag will cost Houston north of $20 million.  With other free agents such as RB Arian Foster and C Chris Myers, that is just too costly.  Add that Williams is coming off a season ending injury (torn pectoral muscle) to the success Houston experienced in its first year in the Wade Phillips run 3-4 defense, Williams is simply not worth that kind of money.  

A long term deal will have to be reached if he is to stay in Houston.  When a player of this magnitude is able to hit free agency, it rarely turns out to be a good thing for his current team.  With teams now being able to carry over the balance of their 2011 cap space, there will be plenty incentive to spend... and spend now.  The Texans were only able to roll over $1.08 million according to ProFootballTalk.  Five teams are north of $20 million in "carry over money".  

It looks to be "all she wrote" in Houston for Mario Williams.  I can't see him not being offered huge money and I also don't see him turning down that kind of deal to stay in Houston.  The good news is they looked to be fine without him.  Brooks Reed played admirably in his rookie year, replacing Mario Williams.  They also have playmakers in DeMeco Ryans, Brian Cushing and Jonathan Joseph that stepped up in Williams' absence.  With two of their division foes (Jaguars and Colts) looking to be in re-building mode, the Texans are still in prime position for another playoff run.