2012 NFL Free Agents: Mario Williams and Best Fits for Super Bowl Contenders

While the vast majority of teams that will be players during the NFL's free agency period are basement teams with tons of cap room, there are a few Super Bowl contenders with money to burn. They may not be able to do a ton in free agency, but they will certainly be very attractive to marquee players.

Every team is chasing the New York Giants right now and all of them need at least one, if not more players to put them over the top. Perhaps the Super Bowl isn't won in free agency, but astute signings can certainly add to a championship-caliber core.

Here are three ideal combinations between free agents and Super Bowl contenders this offseason.

Mario Williams to New England Patriots

Even with one of the weaker defenses in recent memory, the New England Patriots fell just a couple minutes short of winning the Super Bowl this past season. Provided the Pats re-sign wide receiver Wes Welker, they will still have an elite offense, but the defense must be addressed. The secondary received a lot of the blame, which was certainly fair, but the front seven was equally to blame for not pressuring the quarterback.

While Andre Carter and Mark Anderson had solid sack numbers, New England was very inconsistent went it came to its pass rush. One way to change that is by signing former No. 1 overall pick Mario Williams.

It seems like a real possibility that the Houston Texans will be unable to re-sign him and it doesn't seem like the franchise tag is in the cards. Williams has two seasons with double-digit sacks, and is adept at rushing with his hand on the ground or as a linebacker, making him a perfect fit for the Pats.

Robert Meachem to San Francisco 49ers

Even without what most would consider to be a great offense, the San Francisco 49ers nearly returned to the Super Bowl for the first time since Steve Young was the quarterback. The main reasons for that were perhaps the best defense in the league, as well as a strong running game behind Frank Gore. Quarterback Alex Smith made huge strides as well, though, developing into a passer who could win games rather than simply not lose them.

Smith has an explosive tight end to throw to in Vernon Davis and a good possession receiver in Michael Crabtree, but his weapons are lacking overall. San Fran is in desperate need of a deep threat on the outside and luckily there are plenty in a deep receiver class.

Since it looks like New York Giants receiver Mario Manningham may be going to Tampa, New Orleans Saints burner Robert Meachem is a logical fit as he could thrive in an expanded role.

Cliff Avril to Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons may only be considered a fringe Super Bowl contender by most, but prior to this past season they were mentioned among the favorites. On offense there is a lot to love and the defense had its moments as well, but there are some obvious weaknesses.

One is certainly the pass rush. John Abraham continues to plug along, but he is a 34-year-old unrestricted free agent who the Falcons should allow to walk. On the other side, Ray Edwards was a bit of a disappointing acquisition.

With that in mind, Atlanta could use some new blood at defensive end. The ideal replacement for Abraham would be Cliff Avril of the Detroit Lions. Detroit is over the salary cap, so it seems likely that Avril will be available.

Avril is coming off his best career season with 11 sacks and is much like a young Abraham. Not only would signing Avril soften the loss of Abraham, but it would make the Falcons better.