The othe BIG free agent

Super Mario

Mario Williams being dafted 1st above heisman winner Reggie Bush turned alot of people's heads.  Many (mostly fans) were shocked and Texans fans in particular were apalled when Mario Williams was announced as the number 1 daft pick.  I told nay sayers (especially you Matt R.) back then, that it was as good if not a better move than taking Reggie Bush.  Now don't get me wrong Bush played petty well in his multi-tool role at New Orleans and proved this past season that he could be an every down back.  However Super Mario has proven that he can be the anchor of a defense.  As of Monday (the fanchise tag deadline), when the Texans opted not to place the franchise tag on Williams he immediately became a huge name in the fee agent pool.  With most of the hype centered on Peyton Manning, the addition of Williams to the free-agent market has not made the splash in the news it otherwise would've.  In my opinion he might be the best player on the market.  At barely 27 years old, Mario Williams is entering the prime of his career as opposed to Manning who is not only in the twilight of his career, but also has major questions about his health.  Williams was injured in the 13th week of the season two years ago and hurt mid season in 2011, but neither are chronic injuries and he's managed to accumulate over 10+ sacks multiple times and has been selected to the pro-bowl twice  as well as being named an all pro twice.  He can be snagged off the market for a muti-year deal that would place him at that teams disposal for the best part of his career.  Though he doesn't command the press the way Peyton does, he's sure to draw the interest of quite a few teams.  Rumors swirl around the 6'6 280+ pound hybrid end, who has the speed to play linebacker and the power to bulldoze lineman at defensive end.  Below are some of the teams who according to the rumor mill are seeking to obtain this superb athlete.

Texans will have to fight off Seahawks, Falcons

There are plenty of teams that could use Mario Williams, but the two places I've recently heard that could be in play are Seattle and Atlanta. The Seahawks' emerging defense could thrive with a versatile "elephant" linebacker/defensive end like Williams who can really get after the quarterback. The Falcons are letting aging pass-rush specialist John Abraham hit the free agent market and they desperately need a pass rusher in a division loaded with talented QBs.

When all is said and done, though, I think the Texans find a way to retain Williams, who is too young and too good to let walk away.  This is according to Steve Wyche of nfl.com.  I agree with Wyche that the Texans will work something out to keep him.  First the Texans made it past the 1st round of the play-offs, have a good offense, and solid cast of characters around williams.  With Manning leaving the colts, Jacksonville rebuilding, and Chris Johnson and the Titans playing inconsistently the Texans look good to repeat as AFC South champs.  However, money has a strong allure, and depending on the length of his new contract this could be William's last chance at a huge money deal.

The Seahawks if they don't get Manning, which i feel they won't will then make a run at Williams.  They opted not to franchise DT/DE Red Bryant.  Thus, they will have quite a bit of cash to throw at William's feet.  However, other teams with a better playoff chance will be vying for the rights to Williams.

Some think his ultimate destination will be the NFC North, either lining up on the opposite side of Julius Peppers which would be a hell of a 1-2 punch for the Bears pass rush, or fitting in as the missing link in the Packers defensive scheme.  The Packers struggled to get pressure on the opposing QB's.  The addition of Williams to Green Bay would put them at the forefront of another Superbowl trophy.

The Eagles last year hit the free agent market hard, aquiring many high end players, the penultimate being Asoughma after he left the Raiders.  They could make a big splash in this year's free agency bidding and aquire Williams on their star studded lineup.

Other teams mentioned have been New England, however Williams would have to be willing to take less money, which I don't see happening at this point in his career.  Possibly in his final contract.  The Jets have also been mentioned, where he would be a decent fit.  Lastly the Jags have plenty of cap room.  They also are in need of a defensive upgrade.  However I find it hard to see Williams going from the best team in the division to the 2nd worst. 

Regardless of the rumors money talks, so only time will tell the end of this story.