2012 NFL Free Agents: 5 Teams That Should Overpay for Mario Williams

Sure, the Houston Texans won't want to let Mario Williams get away, but it's probably going to happen.

The team already has two solid players in place at outside linebacker—Brooks Reed and Connor Barwin—so they won't be overly desperate to keep him. To use the franchise tag on him would cost them about $22 million next year, a figure the Texans likely can't incur.

So if Williams doesn't agree to a hometown discount, he'll hit the open market and the huge offers will come rolling in. Here are five teams that should overpay to acquire his services.

Dallas Cowboys

Yes, I'm getting frightened imagining Williams lined up opposite of DeMarcus Ware as well.

The thing is, this actually makes a ton of sense. The Cowboys have a need for an outside linebacker in the 3-4, and they have the cap space to pursue a player like Williams.

Oh, and they have Jerry Jones, who would love to make a splash by landing a player like Williams, especially after missing out on Nnamdi Asomugha last year to the Philadelphia Eagles.

This might just happen.

New York Jets

Another team that could really use an infusion of pure talent on defense and has a need at the outside linebacker position in their 3-4 scheme.

Honestly, I fear Rex Ryan would find frighteningly effective ways to utilize Williams. The Jets may have to get creative with the cap to make this work, but they will definitely inquire.

New England Patriots

The Patriots need to upgrade their defense, and a good place to start would be adding more of a pass rush. New England was in the middle of the NFL pack with 40 sacks in the regular season last year, but Williams would both improve that number and take some pressure off a beleaguered secondary.

Again, imagining Bill Belichick scheming creative ways to use Mario Williams is just scary, and the Patriots have the cap room ($20 million free) to make a move and have proven to make a big splash in free agency when the time is right.

The time would be very, very right if Williams hit the market.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers had a woeful 23 sacks in 2011, easily worst in the NFL. They also have just over $60 million in cap space to work with, meaning they could simply outbid most teams if they wanted Williams badly enough.

After a disastrous 2011, they should want him very badly.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Like the Bucs, the Jags didn't sack the quarterback often in 2011 (31 sacks) and have a ton of cap space, with $45 million free to spend if they so desire.

And after years of having to watch Williams with the Texans, they'll certainly have no questions as to his abilities.

Don't be surprised if new owner Shahid Khan tries to make a big splash while filling the team's need for an elite pass-rusher.

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