OK, AFC East -- it's your call. Who on the Buffalo Bills' defensive line do you single-block in 2012? Your choices include second-year defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, who showed true dominance in his rookie season; defensive tackle Kyle Williams, who can be just about unblockable when healthy; and the new guy in Buffalo ... some defensive end by the name of Mario Williams.
Every offensive line coach in the Bills' division just developed a nervous tic, because Buffalo has indeed agreed to terms with Mario Williams after a three-day courtship. Reports indicate that Williams will sign a six-year, $96 million contract with $50 million guaranteed, and the chance to go to $100 million with incentives. It's the first potential $100 million contract offered to a defensive player in NFL history, and it far exceeds the $84 million and $42 million guaranteed given to Julius Peppers by the Chicago Bears in 2010.
The first person to actually confirm the signing was cornerback Drayton Florence, Williams' new teammate, with two simple words via his Twitter account:
"Welcome, Mario."
Bills receiver Stevie Johnson, who just got his own lucrative deal, was even more effusive.
I Love it! S/O to Them Buffalo Guys wearing The Suits for Making Things Happen this OffSeason! Let's Continue to Build! Welcome#SuperMario!
And here's the take of Bills running back Fred Jackson:
Super Mario is in the Building!!! We jus got better as a team!! #BillsMafia #LEGGO
Jackson also suggested that Buffalo shut down its airport after Williams landed, at least until Williams agreed to terms. As it turned out, that wasn't necessary.
Selected with the first overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft, the North Carolina State alum has 53 sacks in his six-year career. However, he has not enjoyed a season with 10 sacks or more since 2008, and he's missed a total of 14 games due to injury in the last two seasons.
However, if you want to know how respected Williams is around the NFL, let's check out Aaron Rodgers' Twitter reaction:
Congrats to Mario Williams signing in buffalo... far away from the NFC north, thanks big guy