2012 NFL Free Agents: Mario Williams Wouldn't Make Buffalo Bills a Contender

The Buffalo Bills struggled to a terrible fourth-place finish in the AFC East and an abysmal 6-10 record. If they think that signing free agent defensive end Mario Williams will instantly make them serious contenders, they’re dead wrong.

While it is a great sign that the team is going hard at free agency, they have plenty of holes to fill before they can be labeled as contenders for anything. In a tough AFC East, 9-7 isn’t good enough.

Adding a player with the talent that Williams has is never a bad thing, but he can’t help the offensive line block for Ryan Fitzpatrick. His pass-rushing abilities from the defensive end or outside linebacker positions will help Buffalo fill that void, but there won’t be much he can do when teams are running the ball right up the middle.

As much as the team needs to make several big moves to be considered a possible contender for not only a Super Bowl but even a playoff spot, they are going all-in on the former No. 1 overall pick.

NFL Network is reporting about the visit with the team and the subsequent follow-ups leading up to a possible deal:

"The Bills have made no secret of their desire to improve their pass rush, and they're hoping Williams can be convinced to provide that push. The aggressive pursuit might have moved the Bills past the Chicago Bears as the favorites to land the free agent, according to NFL Network's Michael Lombardi…Nix and defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt flew to North Carolina and picked up Williams in a private jet, according to the team's official website. Williams was scheduled to have dinner Tuesday with Nix, Wannstedt, CEO Russ Brandon, coach Chan Gailey and defensive tackle Kyle Williams…A league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora that Williams wasn't expected to reach terms on a contract with Buffalo on Tuesday night, and he has at least one other visit scheduled with another team."

Bills insider for the Buffalo News, Tim Graham, is reporting about another possible stop on Williams’ tour of the city:

"

For what it's worth, Mario Williams spotted leaving Buffalo Medical Group office this morning. That would seem to be a physical, folks.

— Tim Graham (@ByTimGraham) March 14, 2012"

For a team that had only 29 sacks all of last season, which was the third-worst in the NFL, adding a player like Williams who thrives on getting after the quarterback would be a great thing for everyone on that defense. When they'd see Super Mario swarming the QB on every snap, it would help others do the same.

The problem is that the secondary is still terrible and there are still major holes on the offensive side of the ball. While Williams would be a great addition to the Bills, they would be far from contenders.

When Fitzpatrick and the Bills offense can put together wins on a consistent basis and prove to the doubters that they are not frauds, then we can talk about Buffalo being contenders. Not before.

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