I don't know why but I assumed he was re-signing with Houston. He could be a franchise-changer and I would assume would command a contract similar to Peppers. From si.com today...
Quote:
5. Who will be the biggest prize in free agency?
Houston defensive end/outside linebacker Mario Williams probably isn't going to coax the Texans into a franchise tag designation, given that his number would be more than $22 million and they've got some cap issues this offseason. That means a 27-year-old pass rusher with 53 sacks in less than six full seasons will reach the market, and that could kick up a little dust from teams fighting over him.
On the other hand, Williams might prefer to stay with the ascending Texans, and work with the team to make that happen. He had five sacks in five games playing outside linebacker in Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense before a torn pectoral muscle ended his 2011 season. Houston, of course, didn't fall off a cliff without Williams, finishing second in overall defense and winning the franchise's first playoff game ever.
There are pass-rush-needy teams that could come after Williams and make it very difficult for Houston to keep the player who went first overall in 2006. Three that come quickly to mind: Buffalo, Tampa Bay and Jacksonville. In addition, the 3-4 Packers are hungry for another pass rusher at outside linebacker, although the big free agency splash hasn't been the Green Bay way under Ted Thompson.
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