2012 NFL Free Agents: Mario Williams Would be Perfect for Seattle Seahawks

The latest reports out of Seattle have the Seahawks pushing hard for Mario Williams, a move that would be the perfect remedy for missing out of the Peyton Manning sweepstakes.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times recently wrote a column in which he outlined the need for a pass-rushing threat. 

Head coach Pete Carroll acknowledged the need, too: 

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We have set our direction from the beginning to try and build through the draft and do everything we can and do that to stay young and competitive and healthy. But that said, we're always looking. We need to address the issue about our pass rush. It's a big factor for us.

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The Seahawks feature one of the brightest young defenses in the league.

Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor look like they will become a fearsome duo in the secondary for years to come, the linebackers are fast and mean, the defensive line is stout against the run and Chris Clemons got consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2011, collecting 11 sacks.

Leroy Hill was the second-leading sack man on the team, with just four, but adding Williams would have a profound impact on the team's stat line in this category if he were picked up.

According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Seahawks have just under $30 million to play with, making this dream an actual possibility.

Williams would help to turn the Seahawks already dangerous defense into one of the most feared units in the league, and the team knows it. They will be pushing hard to try and convince Williams that he should come up to the Northwest and play in front of their rabid fans.

This is a deal that could put Seattle back on the national map, too.

The NFC West is no longer the laughingstock of the NFL since the San Francisco 49ers made their run at the Super Bowl last year, and the Seahawks can make a strong case for themselves as contenders by bringing in Williams.

Let's do this, Seattle.

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