2012 NFL Free Agents: Why Denver Broncos Need to Sign Mario Williams

The Denver Broncos have many positional needs to fill this offseason. Most can be satisfied in the 2012 NFL Draft.

For a defensive end, the Broncos need look no further than Mario Williams.

There are several more important needs than defensive end. Luckily, Denver can take care of cornerback, defensive tackle, tight end and even quarterback through the draft.

But they can't just look to compete with athletes fresh out of college. They need veterans as well. Guys who have been in the game and know the opposition. Guys who have put in the work. Big-name guys to lead, dominate and even fill seats.

Williams is the perfect candidate.

The 6'6'', 283 lb. end is a dangerous combination of speed and strength. Williams averages 40 tackles, nearly nine sacks and two passes deflected per season. These numbers include the last two seasons in which he has missed a combined 14 games.

Williams shocked many when he was selected as the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2006 by the Houston Texans. Many considered Reggie Bush or Vince Young to be the clear first overall pick. In six seasons as a professional, Williams hasn't disappointed yet. At 27 years old entering the 2012 season, Williams has the playmaking ability to lead the defense and he's young enough they'd get several quality years out of him.

The prospect of re-signing with Houston is there of course, though it is 50-50 or lower at this point.

In 2011, the Texans succeeded without Williams. The defensive corps featuring J.J. Watt, Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans effectively pushed the Texans to the AFC Divisional Playoffs.

Even worse for Williams, the franchise tag is less likely. The tag reportedly would cost the Texans $21 million. That's $21 million for one year, for a player who missed two-thirds of the season.

Ultimately, the Texans appear hesitant. Bad news for Williams, great news for the Denver Broncos.

Earlier this week, Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway stated the Broncos would be spending more on the roster in 2012. They won't be able to sign Williams after re-signing all 17 of their own free agents, so Denver would be forced to heavily evaluate guys like Eddie Royal, Mario Haggan and Brian Dawkins.

The cap space available and the monetary value for Williams' talent matching up are obviously a concern. However, two factors help in favor of the Broncos.

Having suffered an injury in his contract year, Williams will be left with no choice but to take less money. Even better, Williams told the Houston Chronicle's John McClain money is not his first priority.

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“I’m not worried about that. It’s really not that big of a deal to me. I was the first pick (in 2006), and I’ve already had everything I really wanted, so my biggest thing is to be in a good position, a good scheme, a good system and continuing my career."

“It’s always important to be in a position to be successful. That comes with teammates around you, coaching, having that winning attitude. You want to (play) where you can thrive no matter where you are.”

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The Broncos could switch Williams back to defensive end. Both the weak and strong sides would be locked up with Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil covering one and Mario Williams and D.J. Williams patrolling the other.

Mario Williams' versatility suits the needs of the Denver Broncos well. The team could continue to use him as a linebacker, a position he switched to before the 2011 season. In five games, he only netted 10 tackles. Though he averaged one sack per game from the position.

Though his bread and butter is his pass-rushing ability, Williams would certainly contribute to run-stoppage at linebacker as well. While many placed blame on the play of the quarterback, it was the Denver defense who stalled against the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoff game, allowing Tom Brady to throw six touchdowns and 363 yards. Regardless of where you put Williams, the signing is a major upgrade to an already talented defense.

Staying in the AFC maintains Williams' familiarity with the opposition. A move to the AFC West pits Williams against middle of the pack offensive lines in San Diego and Oakland; the move helps Denver get around that pesky line in Kansas City too.

Signing Williams would continue the excitement in Denver. Two years ago the Broncos selected quarterback Tim Tebow. Last year we saw Tebow start and Miller earn Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Adding Williams would only add to the to the intrigue. The team would contain the perfect mix of young talent and veteran superstars.

Pectoral injuries are uncommon but can be career-altering. Williams will have just under a full year to make a full recovery and bounce back. For the caliber of player he is and the talent he brings with him, the reward is certainly worth the risk. There's no better year to bring in Williams than in 2012.