2012 NFL Free Agents: 5 Landing Spots for Texans DE Mario Williams

In a league where pass-rushers are continuing to become more and more valuable, Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams stands to make a fortune this offseason in free agency. 

Williams, the top overall pick in the 2006 draft and widely considered top free-agent this spring, could command a multi-year contract that pushes him out of the Texans' salary cap limits.

In fact, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle tweeted that the Texans might have to get a "hometown discount" to keep Williams in Houston. McClain also points out that franchise tagging Williams is completely out of the question. 

Ask the Carolina Panthers about banking on a hometown discount to retain a top pass-rusher. Two years ago, defensive end Julius Peppers bolted Carolina for a six-year, $91 million contract in Chicago. 

Could Williams do the same to the Texans this offseason?

As the top pass-rusher available since Peppers and coming off his rookie contract, Williams will have several teams lining up to offer the bank. Let's take a look at five teams who should be in on the Williams sweepstakes in free agency:

Buffalo Bills

The Bills are transitioning back to the 4-3 defense in 2012 under promoted defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt. Pass rush has been a huge issue for Buffalo in the past, so adding Williams makes a lot of sense to speed up the Bills' transformation.

Also, ESPN's Adam Schefter had this to say about the possibility:

"

Any team with a defensive need and salary-cap space would have to take a look. But let's say this: Buffalo would love to have Williams. The questions are, does Williams want to be in Buffalo and are the Bills willing to pay more than others? That's tough to say at this point.

"

Tennessee Titans

The Titans have a need at defensive end and the cap space to make a signing work. What's more, getting Williams off the Texans would also damage a division rival.

However, breaking the bank for Williams would likely take them out of the running for free-agent cornerback Cortland Finnegan. Getting them both in Titans uniforms next season would put the team's defense in good shape for 2012.  

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks may be one or two defensive pieces away from being a top defense. Bringing in Williams could be the move to push Seattle nearer to a playoff spot. ESPN's John Clayton speculated recently that Williams might be an option for Seattle if they are willing to pay the price.  

Cincinnati Bengals

Defensive end isn't a huge need for the Bengals, but it wasn't for the Bears back in 2010, either. Adding Williams to an emerging Bengals defense could have a similar effect as Peppers in Chicago. The Bengals have the cap room to pull it off, too.

Jacksonville Jaguars

There's no denying the need for pass-rushers in Jacksonville and the cap room wouldn't be an issue for them, either. In fact, they can offer as much as anyone if they decided on targeting Williams. Who knows what kind of plan the Jaguars' new management has for this offseason?