NFL Rumors: San Diego Chargers to Look at Mario Williams?

Houston Texans soon-to-be free agent Mario Williams will be looking for a certain price once he hits the NFL's free agency period on March 13. 

If that numbers fits with what the San Diego Chargers are looking for, there could be some interest between the two parties.

According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Chargers already have a set price they are willing to pay for Williams.

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Meanwhile, the Chargers have assigned an (unknown) price they would be willing to pay for Williams.The Chargers did talk with Ben Dogra, Williams’ agent, at the Combine. But Dogra is among the biggest agents in the business, and it is not known if Williams was discussed.

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Acee also points out that the Chargers "have essentially vowed to add at least one pass-rusher this offseason," and that GM A.J. Smith hasn't ruled out taking a run at Williams. 

The 27-year-old Williams is considered a lock to reach free agency, and the Texans aren't considered financially capable of providing an offer to Williams that will meet his demands. An owner of 54 career sacks, Williams will likely be the most sought-after free agent available this offseason. 

Any interest from the Chargers would stem from their need to add more pass rush on third down, which Acee points to as an area where the team had its "biggest downfall in 2011."

The Chargers have Shaun Phillips, Antwan Barnes, Travis LaBoy and Larry English as options at outside linebacker, where Williams would play if acquired next season. 

Barnes had 11 sacks and Phillips 3.5 in an injured plagued season, but LaBoy and English combined for just three sacks, and English has been a huge disappointment as a former first-round pick. If signed, Williams would immediately become the Chargers starting outside linebacker and the team's best pass-rusher. 

The obvious holdup here is the money it would take for the Chargers to win a Williams' bidding war.

Remember, Julius Peppers secured a six-year, $91 million deal back in March of 2010. It's unknown (and probably unlikely) if Williams could command that kind of money, but it does lay a framework for what Williams might be thinking on the open market. 

Anything close to that amount would all but rule the Chargers out of the Williams sweepstakes. Time will tell if the market puts Williams within the Chargers range or not. We're assuming early on that the Chargers will eventually be pushed out of the running.