Matt Williamson: Pats will be "really involved" in trying to get Mario Williams

[ATippett56]

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will back up the Brinks truck to Mario Williams house. Just watch it happen in March.

 

[JackBauer]

Never know, obviously, but I wouldn't be at all shocked if he were still here in 5 years.

Of course it's possible, but I don't expect to see Tom under center in five years time.

 

[Rob0729]

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will back up the Brinks truck to Mario Williams house. Just watch it happen in March.

I don't know. The Bucs have money issues due to the owner's European football club and the fact they are in a small market. They are usually well under the cap for a reason. I don't know if they will spend on a big free agent like Williams.

 

[Ring 6]

They were #1 seed in the AFC. They were a defensive stand or an offensive score or a 'don't get a safety' away from a title last year. Hell, a healthy Gronk is a huge difference in that game alone.

If anything that should give them more reason to keep conducting business as they always have. Determine a player's value, don't go over that value, remain competitive but not at the expense of the future.

What happens if you hurt your future to bring in Mario Williams and then he gets Roosevelt Colvin'ed in the preseason? It's just bad business.

Excellent post. Wouldn't it be nice if people could embrace the idea that since it worlks, the best thing to do is keep doing the same thing, instead of pining for things totally out of character for this franchise, but totally consistent with the way teams that never win operate?

 

[ausbacker]

Excellent post. Wouldn't it be nice if people could embrace the idea that since it worlks, the best thing to do is keep doing the same thing, instead of pining for things totally out of character for this franchise, but totally consistent with the way teams that never win operate?

The Patriots have proven over time that they pay for performance. Hell, you only have to look at Tom Brady's contract. What leads you to the conclusion that the Patriots don't have a value assigned for a Mario Williams type of player?

It's ridiculous to suggest the Patriots don't because they do. Whether or not they have the opportunity to sign him and then do sign him is a different matter all together.

 

[Ring 6]

The Patriots have proven over time that they pay for performance. Hell, you only have to look at Tom Brady's contract. What leads you to the conclusion that the Patriots don't have a value assigned for a Mario Williams type of player?

It's ridiculous to suggest the Patriots don't because they do. Whether or not they have the opportunity to sign him and then do sign him is a different matter all together.

I have no doubt they have a value assigned to him, but I am fairly certain there are many teams that have a different philosophy on how to build a team that will assign a higher value to him.

 

[supafly]

Would folks here be willing to trade their two 1st round picks plus, say, Ninkovich, in order to get Demarcus Ware?

(not saying that has any possibility of occurring, but I'm just wondering)

Personally, I don't think you trade 2 first round picks for anyone in the league.

I tend to think that the Patriots would carry that same philosophy the high majority of the time, but obviously I could very well be wrong too.

You don't see many trades that involve that level of compensation for a reason, otherwise it would be a more common theme.

FWIW--I don't think it would take 2 firsts (and Rob Ninkovich) to get Ware, but one would think it would probably be close.

 

[ausbacker]

I have no doubt they have a value assigned to him, but I am fairly certain there are many teams that have a different philosophy on how to build a team that will assign a higher value to him.

I don't disagree with that comment Andy, I'm more interested in Williams' approach; chasing a ring or chasing the money.

 

[Reckedtrek]

Part of me gets excited by the idea of Mario Williams to the Pats.... and then I remember how excited I was over Adalius Thomas when he was first signed to the Pats roster.

Different players, but both big name defensive "stars". Let's hope this one works out better if they go for it.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Re: Matt Williamson: The Pats will be "really involved" in trying to get Mario Willi

I am not sure the Patriots should just push Cunningham aside, he had an off year but is a 2nd round pick...

Cunningham is the Bethel Johnson of linebackers.

Just some offseason humor.... Sign the beast.

If the money is right, I'd love to see Mario in a Pats uniform. If he's available for AD type money, I say give him a shot!

Super Mario would be the difference between shootouts and blowouts. This defense desperately needs an impact player if we want to compete for a championship. Wouldn't you love to see Mario obliterate Mark Sanchez time and time again?

I would prefer it if he obliterated Eli Manning.

 

[Real World]

Re: Matt Williamson: The Pats will be "really involved" in trying to get Mario Willi

First real question is, will he even be available? If yes, then the subsequent question is how much money are we talking?

I'd cream my pants if the Patriots signed Mario Williams. However, I'd be satisfied if they at least invested the would be Williams money in an established safety, and some lives bodies who can get some pressure on the QB.

 

[Joey007]

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will back up the Brinks truck to Mario Williams house. Just watch it happen in March.

I actually agree with this. I don't know if they'll neccessarily get Williams, but they said the exact same thing the Eagles said last year- they'll be agressive. And, of course, you saw what they did in last years FA.

 

[zipster9]

I actually agree with this. I don't know if they'll neccessarily get Williams, but they said the exact same thing the Eagles said last year- they'll be agressive. And, of course, you saw what they did in last years FA.

Mario can be a DE in a 43, as well as a LB in a 34. He proved this in Houston. This would solve our problem of have 2 separate players !


The question is, what does Mario want? Top $$ no matter where? Or, less $$ and better chances of SuperBowls?

TampaBay is not a SB contender, anytime soon.
Seahawks? Not anytime soon.
Titans? Not anytime soon.
Bills? Nope.
Cowboys? Better chance than other 4 suitors.
Patriots? Yes.


Top $$ suitor? Cowboys.

Mario may want DemarcusWare $$: 7years, $79m contract.
($20m bonus, 1st year) so,
11m/yr for the next 6yrs.

Mario's last contract was: 6years. 65m contract. "Back loaded" escalate.


My guess is (any suitor):

Next contract range: 5yrs (he is 27yrs old) - 7yrs.
$12m+/yr (front loaded)



My HOPE is BillB is interested, and gives an offer, that at least is inticing, as opposed to insulting...

 

[PatsSox363804]

Williams would be an ideal signing and the type of versatile player that Belichick looks for.

 

[zipster9]

The Patriots have proven over time that they pay for performance. Hell, you only have to look at Tom Brady's contract. What leads you to the conclusion that the Patriots don't have a value assigned for a Mario Williams type of player?

It's ridiculous to suggest the Patriots don't because they do. Whether or not they have the opportunity to sign him and then do sign him is a different matter all together.

Yes. Reason Seymour was traded, was because BillB didnt think he would play at a high level at his age, not necessarily his per/year salary. Of course, it kinda backfired, as Seymour was still playing at a very good level, and the Patriots had NO pass rusher DE, afterwards.

You wonder why crappy QBs were able to throw 300+yds against us? Yes, our Secondary stinks, BUT, QB had plenty of time to find a receiver, ready-set-throw.

Remember our SB days, where our DL was very good...

 

[NinjaZX6R]

Yes. Reason Seymour was traded, was because BillB didnt think he would play at a high level at his age, not necessarily his per/year salary. Of course, it kinda backfired, as Seymour was still playing at a very good level, and the Patriots had NO pass rusher DE, afterwards.

You wonder why crappy QBs were able to throw 300+yds against us? Yes, our Secondary stinks, BUT, QB had plenty of time to find a receiver, ready-set-throw.

Remember our SB days, where our DL was very good...

No. He was traded b/c Seymour had 1 year left on his contract and looking for his 3rd huge pay day. Brady and Vince's contracts were up in 09 and 2010 too.

 

[zipster9]

Williams would be an ideal signing and the type of versatile player that Belichick looks for.

Sorry for another post, but forgot to mention that, when JuliusPeppers was available, Patriots were one of the suitors. Rumors were Patriots offer was around $10m/yr... Remember that Peppers is a pure 43 rusher. Never played 34 OLB.

Now, you have an opportunity for a 34/43 impact player, that is 27yrs old.

I really believe that, if we improved our DL, we can get over the hump to a SB win. Last 2 SB losses, we could NOT stop the last drive by ELI. We would NOT get to the QB.

Brady has a very small window left, we need to have a "win now" mentality...

 

[Ring 6]

I don't disagree with that comment Andy, I'm more interested in Williams' approach; chasing a ring or chasing the money.

Both.
Players have a way of convincing themselves the team that offers them the most money is now the best team in the league, because they are on it.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Sorry for another post, but forgot to mention that, when JuliusPeppers was available, Patriots were one of the suitors. Rumors were Patriots offer was around $10m/yr... Remember that Peppers is a pure 43 rusher. Never played 34 OLB.

Now, you have an opportunity for a 34/43 impact player, that is 27yrs old.

I really believe that, if we improved our DL, we can get over the hump to a SB win. Last 2 SB losses, we could NOT stop the last drive by ELI. We would NOT get to the QB.

Brady has a very small window left, we need to have a "win now" mentality...

The Patriots will not financially ruin themselves just because TB has a couple of years left. Their financial discipline and history prove this.

What they will do is go after Williams under two conditions:
1) His contract length, guaranteed dollars and $ total dollars will not cripple the team's desire to have financial flexibility in the future post TB.
2) He becomes a DPoY-type of player that plays in the team's defensive scheme.

 

[zipster9]

Both.
Players have a way of convincing themselves the team that offers them the most money is now the best team in the league, because they are on it.

From Mario, asked what he thinks about possibly being highest paid defensive player -

"I’m not worried about that. It’s really not that big of a deal to me. I was the first pick (in 2006), and I’ve already had everything I really wanted, so my biggest thing is to be in a good position, a good scheme, a good system and continuing my career. Hopefully, it works out.

It’s always important to be in a position to be successful. That comes with teammates around you, coaching, having that winning attitude. You want to (play) where you can thrive no matter where you are."


Sounds like a Patriot to me...