2012 NFL Free Agents: Why the Houston Texans Should Re-Sign Mario Williams

The Houston Texans are publicly stating that re-signing LB Mario Williams is the number one priority this offseason.

This is the right move for Houston and its future as a perennial playoff team.

Now, this could come after placing a franchise tag on him for this year and using that time to negotiate a contract, so a long-term deal does not have to happen this offseason. 

Many believe that Houston should let Mario Williams walk and spend the money on possibly locking up RB Arian Foster with a long-term deal.  Foster, however, is a restricted free agent, so Houston is not really at risk of losing him right now.

Also, if given the choice, Houston should keep Williams, even if the opportunity cost is Foster.

Look, the fact is, running backs do not last long in this league. You are looking at four or five years before many running backs break down.

There were two backs (Willis McGahee and Fred Jackson) in the top 20 in rushing yards this season who were over 29 years old (both were 30).

However, look at all the elite pass rushers who are in the NFL right now. The top three in sacks for 2011 were all between 29 and 31, and had no signs of slowing down (Jared Allen, Jason Babin and DeMarcus Ware).

Not to mention Terrell Suggs (29 years old), who was tied for fifth in sacks in the NFL in 2011.

My point is that linebackers play at an elite level for many years. Linebackers like Brian Urlacher, Ray Lewis and James Harrison are still very dominant at their positions well into their 30s. 

I understand the concerns about Williams' injury.

However, think about a man named Elvis Dumervil, defensive end for the Denver Broncos. He tore his pectoral muscle and missed all of 2010. And Dumervil is just a year older than Williams. So, the comparison is too easy. 

Dumervil got off to a slow start, but finished the 2011 season with 9.5 sacks in the final nine games of the season, as a part of the Broncos' surge into the playoffs. He even recorded a sack in Denver's playoff win at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Imagine a Houston pass rush in 2012 that involves Mario Williams, J.J. Watt, Antonio Smith and Connor Barwin.

Oh, and not to mention Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans playing on the interior.

Houston would have the best front seven in the NFL, hands down.

Something else to think about is that Connor Barwin is due to be a free agent at the end of next year. I think Houston needs to retain either Williams this offseason or Barwin next.

I would much rather it be Williams now.

He is just now coming into the prime of his career. Before the injury, he was on pace to have another fantastic year.

An additional issue is that head coach Gary Kubiak seems to have a plug-and-play system at the running back position.

Not to take anything away from Arian Foster, since he is as close to perfect for this running system with his ability to make quick cuts, but Ben Tate proved he was highly effective all season as Foster's back up.

In fact, Tate averaged a full yard per carry more (5.4 to 4.4) than Foster.

The choice might not have to be made now, but in the end, Mario Williams has more long-term value to the future of this franchise. Having an elite, 6'6", 290-pound pass rushing outside linebacker is too special to pass up.