Hey guys with defense being the new identity of this team, and pass rush being somewhat of a weakness, I think picking up Mario Williams would be HUGE in terms of completing the front 7 of our defense.
A little background history:
Mario Williams was a standout DE at the University on North Carolina. He was the 1st overall pick in the 2006 draft and has lived up to his draft status. He is an absolute beast on the football field and from everything i have heard and read, a great person and good leader. He plays with a high motor and a furious attitude much like our own Darnell Dockett.
He was a DE his whole career for the Houston Texans until this year, when Wade Phillips was hired as their DC and switched to the 3-4 defense, where Mario Williams switched over to OLB.
These are his career stats provided by NFL.com:
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As you can see he really excells at rushing the passer, totaling 53 sacks in his 6 year career. You may notice that in 2011, his first year ever playing OLB he recorded 5 sacks. But look closely and you will notice that he recorded 5 sacks in only 5 games... Imagine if he would have played all 16!!!! He tore his pectoral muscle, an injury from which he has fully recovered and an injury that shouldnt hamper his career.
Just imagine what this guy is capable of after a training camp, OTA's, and good coaching. Once he learns the true nature and responsibilities of the OLB position from a defensive guru like Ray Horton, he could possible be the best OLB in the NFL.
I know many of you are saying to yourselves that we couldnt afford to sign a player of this caliber, or perhaps we dont need a player of this caliber due to the emergence of Acho and the on going development of Schofield. But the chance at a player like this only comes around once every decade and he could solidify a defense that already includes premiere guys like Darnell Dockett, Calais Campbell, and Adrian Wilson.
This is his first contract he signed as an NFL player provided by Spotrac.com:
| |
Base Salary | S. Bonus | Misc. Bonus | Cap Hit |
| 2006 |
275,000 | - | 1,350,000 | 1,625,000 |
| 2007 | 975,000 | - | 1,350,000 | 2,325,000 |
| 2008 | 2,350,000 | - | 1,350,000 | 3,700,000 |
| 2009 | 2,875,000 | - | 1,350,000 | 4,225,000 |
| 2010 | 3,025,000 | - | 1,350,000 | 4,375,000 |
| 2011 | 13,800,000 | - | 1,350,000 | 15,150,000 |
We can make an offer that looks something like this:
4 year, $40,000,000... with $25,000,000 garunteed and the rest can be incentive based. With careful planning from our FO it can be structured to where it doesnt put us over the cap and doesnt effect the re-signing of our own Calais Campbell.
All that aside, and assuming that what I wrote is correct and we can afford to pursue and sign him, would you? Is this guy a player you would be interested in seeing make plays for the cardinals for the next 4 years? could he help mentor Acho and Schofeild? could he provide a whole 'nother dimension to this defense? Im curious to see if you guys are as curious about Mario Williams in AZ as I.
ENJOY!!!!!!


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