NFL Rumors: Giants looking to lock up Mario Williams

Mario Williams is reportedly being courted by the New York Giants as a potential destination for the former Pro Bowler pass rusher. Will he stick there?

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the New York Giants are meeting with recently released defensive lineman Mario Williams Sunday night and on Monday about the possibility of signing the veteran free agent pass rusher.

Williams is the former No. 1 overall draft pick in 2006 by the Houston Texans out of North Carolina State University. He has been a four-time Pro Bowl defensive end and made one All-Pro team during his 10 NFL seasons to date between Houston and most recently the Buffalo Bills.

Williams’ failed working relationship with Bills head coach Rex Ryan ultimately resulted in the defensive end’s release from Buffalo at the end of the 2015 NFL season after four years in Western New York.

While Williams at times draws criticism for his attitude and supposedly taking plays off, he may have a perfect opportunity with the Giants should he sign with New York during 2016 NFL Free Agency. The reason for this ideal fit is that Williams would thrive in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s pass rushing scheme.

When the Giants are playing their best football, they are using several talented pass rushers in rotation to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This ability to constantly hurry opposing quarterbacks in the pocket allowed the Giants to win a pair of Super Bowls in the last decade, with Spagnuolo being the defensive coordinator during the first of the two.

New York would know how to use Williams effectively as a rotational pass rusher instead of an every down player like the role Ryan had him in with his last year with the Bills. After a disappointing 2015 campaign for Williams, it seems like it’s full-steam ahead for the 31-year-old veteran defensive end with 96.0 career quarterback sacks.