Bills release unproductive Mario Williams after four seasons
In a move that was expected for months, the Bills have parted ways with defensive end Mario Williams, the team announced.
By
Ryan Wilson
•
1 min read
In a move that was expected for months, the Bills have parted ways with defensive end Mario Williams, the team announced on Tuesday. He would have counted $19.9 million against the Bills' salary cap in 2016.
Williams signed a six-year, $100 million contract with the Bills in 2012 and through the first three seasons, the deal was good for both sides. Williams averaged more than 12.5 sacks per year during that span, but those totals dropped to just five sacks in 2015, his first season in new coach Rex Ryan's system.
It became obvious late last season that the two sides would likely go their separate ways; in December, was reportedly unhappy with his role in Ryan's defense. And a month later, a nameless teammate added to the speculation when they said that Williams had totally "checked out."
"It's been clear to me that Mario doesn't care about anybody but himself,” the player told the Buffalo News' Ty Dunne. "He followed that up by not giving any effort during the season and complaining about the scheme instead of manning up and saying he played like crap and doesn't care."
Ryan was asked about Williams at the combine last week.
"I'd love for Mario to be back," Ryan said, "but how realistic is that?"
Now we know.
The 31-year-old Williams was the first-overall pick in 2006, and spent the first six years of his career with the Texans where he had 53 sacks and 11 forced fumbles. In Buffalo, Williams totaled 43 sacks and five forced fumbles. In all likelihood, he won't be out of work long -- but only if he's willing to take a substantial paycut.
