Mario Williams signs a 6 year deal with Buffalo

The star linebacker, considered the biggest prize of free agency on the defensive side of the ball, has signed a contract with the Bills, the team announced Thursday.

Williams' deal is for six years and is worth $96 million -- $50 million guaranteed -- with the potential to go up to $100 million, a league source told NFL Network's Albert Breer.

This is great news for the Bills. There were a host of other teams linked with Williams prior to Tuesday, but I don't think I ever heard the Bills were in the mix, so it seems quite out of the blue.

They're obviously looking to build on the good start they had to the previous season and make a push for the playoffs this season. I'm not under any illusion that they'll topple the Patriots, but I don't see any reason they can't finish above the Jets and Dolphins and hope for a wildcard spot. The key will be consistency this year though.

I think we need a bit more than just Mario, but this is an excellent start for us. We are usually soooo cheap that this was a complete surprise. Buddy Nix should get a medal for persuading Ralph to open up his wallet.

A key improvement on defense. I hope that that he has great success in Buffalo.... you know, so long as he doesn't get even a whiff of Tom Brady.

Speaking of improvements to defense, they picked up OLB/DE Mark Anderson from the Patriots today.

jigokusabre wrote:

Speaking of improvements to defense, they picked up OLB/DE Mark Anderson from the Patriots today.

I just read that, this is a great pickup for the Bills too. Our pass rush just got a lot better. Looks like our front office is finally stepping up.

Too bad Williams couldn't inspire the rest of the Bills D in 2012. He had an okay year, but as a unit they struggled. Still near the bottom in categories...

sluggermatt15 wrote:

Too bad Williams couldn't inspire the rest of the Bills D in 2012. He had an okay year, but as a unit they struggled. Still near the bottom in categories...

To true slugger, got to look forward to this year. See what free agency brings.

Billsfan wrote:

sluggermatt15 wrote:

Too bad Williams couldn't inspire the rest of the Bills D in 2012. He had an okay year, but as a unit they struggled. Still near the bottom in categories...

To true slugger, got to look forward to this year. See what free agency brings.

10.5 sacks by Williams is good. I can't ignore that. But what needs to happen is that performance needs to rub off on the other players. Buffalo's sack total rose from 29 in 2011 to 36 last season so it slightly improved, but consistency is the key.

Do you think the Bills will try and make a splash in free agency?

The Bills have some money to spend, and new coach generally means a sweeping out. I'd like to see Levitre stay, first time in a few years that the offensive line has been sound. I think he may go though as his salary could be too high and they will try to bring Chad Rhienhart up and get someone cheaper in free agency. Hope I'm wrong. We need WR's now we've let Nelson and Jones go. Bowe's out but there are a few good ones out there to be had.

Bowe re-signed with KC. He received a pretty nice deal too. Among other news, Shawne Merriman announces he will retire. Not good news for Buffalo. I also believe Aaron Schobel retired. So it looks like you are correct that the Bills must go after some players.

I agree about the need for WRs. We're set at RB with Spiller - he's been a bright spot on offense. IMO Buffalo should continue to upgrade the defense. They need some help up the middle, even with Williams.

I don't see Merriman retiring as a huge problem, he wasn't very impactive for us. He got cut and was brought back only because of injury. Letting go of Barrnet is more worrying as he played hard for us and I'm sorry to see him go. LB is a real need for us.

I agree with you. Letting Barnett go will hurt us. IMO management made a big mistake by not keeping Paul Posluszny around. I know he was due some $, but he was a solid LB. Now he will star with Jacksonville as they try to rebuild.

Still it all means nothing without a QB, do you think Fitz will be back this season?

Billsfan wrote:

Still it all means nothing without a QB, do you think Fitz will be back this season?

I think the team should bring him back. I know he struggled last year and is due a lot of $ for 2013, but you need the guy's ability and leadership. I don't think Tavaris Jackson is a viable option at QB. He doesn't have a great history of success. I trust Fitz over him. What about you?

I was pretty stunned that we gave Jackson a contract at all. He was on the sideline all season. I like Fitz, I'd like to see him become a winner. I just don't think he has the skill set, but I'd take him over Jackson. I don't see a QB in the draft this year that an step up and be a starter.

Billsfan wrote:

I was pretty stunned that we gave Jackson a contract at all. He was on the sideline all season. I like Fitz, I'd like to see him become a winner. I just don't think he has the skill set, but I'd take him over Jackson. I don't see a QB in the draft this year that an step up and be a starter.

I think Fitz can get there if he works hard. He needs to cut down on the turnovers. If he can do that, he'll improve. Fitzpatrick has already shown he can throw for a lot yards and the potential to be able to produce. I believe Jackson is the opposite - he does NOT produce, he has a low completion rate, and throws too many INTs. Why Buffalo even gave him a contract is beyond me, that I agree. I may be a little critical, but it seems management has totally mishandled drafts and contracts for the past 10 years... I'll give them a few good picks they've come up with like CJ Spillar, but that's about it.

Can't argue with you there slugger.

IMO Fitz is worth the $, but he has to show it. I believe this season would be a great time to start. If he can't then I think the team might give Jackson some spot work, which I would not like to see because I do not have confidence in him under center.

I can see Nassib being taken by us. He's used to Marrone's system, and now Fitz has been released it paves the way.

Billsfan wrote:

I can see Nassib being taken by us. He's used to Marrone's system, and now Fitz has been released it paves the way.

Yeah I saw Fitz was cut. I guess management wants to start with a fresh, new face at QB. I agree about Nassib. Buffalo may very well give him a shot. I think the release of Fitzpatrick definitely opened the door for a QB competition. No way I see this team using Tavaris Jackson as a starter...