NFL Free-Agent Signings: Mario Williams Will Finally Push Bills Back to Playoffs

Mario Williams represents a turning point for the Buffalo Bills. The franchise has missed the playoffs for 12 consecutive seasons, but that extended drought will come to an end next season when Williams leads them back to the postseason for the first time since 1999.

Buffalo's biggest problem during that time period was an unwillingness to spend big money. Basically, any time a player would emerge as a key contributor, the Bills would let him get away and attempt to fill that void in the draft.

It became a vicious circle of disappointment. Draft busts like Aaron Maybin were magnified because the Bills couldn't afford to swing and miss, but did.

Signing Williams shows the team has finally become serious about getting back to the playoffs. The front office will never spend wildly on free agents like the Washington Redskins, but even one major deal illustrates that they aren't just going to sit back anymore, either.

The former first overall pick and Houston Texans star fills Buffalo's biggest need. The Bills haven't had a dominant pass-rusher since Bruce Smith was leading the team to Super Bowls. In recent seasons, they haven't had a puss-rush—period—and usually finish near the bottom of the NFL in sacks.

As they begin to shift back to a 4-3 scheme, another defensive end will be necessary. Otherwise, the defensive line is shaping up to be extremely dangerous. Teaming Williams up with the underrated tackle duo of Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams will make life tough on opposing offenses.

The Bills aren't as far off as their final record would make it seem. They actually started 5-2 last season before falling apart down the stretch, so there's clearly some building blocks already in place.

Ryan Fitzpatrick proved he can run an efficient offense when given the tools to succeed. He should have those in the likes of Stevie Johnson, Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller. The Bills will probably look to add another weapon in the draft at some point.

Williams will lead the defensive resurgence. By cutting down the time quarterbacks will have to make decisions, pressure on the secondary will decrease considerably. No matter how much talent a team has in the defensive backfield, they can only guard for so long before somebody gets open.

When you put all the positive signs together, it adds up to a playoff contender. The Bills' playoff drought is three years longer than the closest franchise. However, the good news for diehard fans in Buffalo is that it's almost over.

Williams will lead the way to a wild-card berth in 2012.