Mario Williams Rumors: Chicago Bears Smart to Target All-Pro Pass Rusher

A season-ending injury in a contract year would be a death wish to the career prospects of most players in the NFL.

Not so for Mario Williams, who enters the 2012 free-agency period as the most coveted defender on the market, despite tearing his pectoral muscle during Week 5 of the 2011 season.

Williams' health is hardly considered a deterrent to the Chicago Bears, who, according to Steve Wyche of NFL.com, have taken a keen interest in the former Houston Texans star. The Bears have never been afraid to throw money at primo pass rushers, especially in light of the return they've reaped from their six-year, $91.5 million investment in Julius Peppers.

The Bears see Williams as a viable option to serve as sidekick (and eventual heir) to the 32-year-old Peppers along their defensive line. Surely Chicago could do worse to fill that role than a 27-year-old who's been to two Pro Bowls and twice been named an All-Pro, pectoral tear or no.

The Texans, the Buffalo Bills, the San Diego Chargers and the Jacksonville Jaguars are all (among others) expected to make a run at Williams in free agency, though the Bears are currently considered the front runner to secure his signature when all is said and done.

Chicago's defense line was excellent against the run, but ranked among the worst in the NFL in pressuring opposing passers last season. Put the 6'6" 283-pound Williams across from the 6'7" 283-pound Peppers, and those stats will surely change in a hurry.

The Bears would certainly be smart to upgrade their defensive line as head coach Lovie Smith has suggested they will. As the New York Giants proved during the most recent campaign, a strong defensive line can carry a team a long ways through the regular season and into the playoffs.

Chicago will likely need to pull off such a run in 2012, lest Lovie join former GM Jerry Angelo on the unemployment line. Signing Williams would go a long way toward prolonging Smith's tenure in the Windy City, albeit as the byproduct of a successful season.

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