Mario Williams Signs with Buffalo Bills: What It Means for the Bills

The Buffalo Bills finally have their man, and the landscape in the AFC East just got a little shake-up.

As first reported by ESPN's Chris Mortensen, the Buffalo Bills have scheduled a press conference to make official the signing of defensive end Mario Williams.

The deal is reportedly for six years at $100 million with $50 million of it guaranteed.

The move addresses what many considered to be the Bills' top need this offseason, as the defense transitions to a 4-3 front without a true 4-3 end. They didn't get just any defensive end; they got one of the best in the NFL.

Since being taken first overall in the 2006 NFL draft, Williams has compiled a reputation as one of the league's best pass rushers. Now, that pass rushing potency will be plugged into a defensive line that already features two young, promising tackles in Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus.

Rush To Judgment

Mario Williams has become something of a hired gun. He was drafted by Charlie Casserly, then GM of the Texans, as an answer to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts' reign of dominance over the AFC South. Now, Bills GM Buddy Nix and defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt have their guy to put on the edge and send after Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

The strategy is a wise one. The Patriots have struggled when teams are able to put an effective rush on Brady, and by adding Williams, the Bills have locked down three spots along the line where they have quality talent that can get after the quarterback.

But this is about more than the Patriots. The impact that an elite defensive end can have on the unit as a whole has been seen with the likes of Julius Peppers in Chicago, who helped turn the Bears from a second-rate unit in 2009 to a top-notch group in 2010.

What's next?

The Bills locked up linebacker Kirk Morrison last week, and could still use another addition as they transition to the 4-3 defense.

There are still needs on the offensive side of the ball, though those are much fewer than on defense. A wide receiver to plug opposite Stevie Johnson would be welcome, as would an interior offensive lineman.

Whatever direction the Bills go from here, the organization appears headed in the right direction after this move.

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