Timothy T. Ludwig – USA TODAY Sports
A report issued today by the Associated Press has confirmed that the Buffalo Bills are planning to make a big move this offseason. The Bills are going to release disgruntled defensive end and four-time Pro Bowler Mario Williams to create over $12 million in cap room. There is no definitive timetable as to when Williams will be officially released, but this is a move the Bills had to make, as Williams forced their hand.
Throughout the season, Williams has played poorly and had what was by far his worst season. He’s only had 13 tackles and four sacks on the year heading into the final game of the season. Williams didn’t fit into Rex Ryan’s defense, and as a result, he’s struggled. However, his struggles weren’t just related to his on the field performance.
Williams was an absolute head case off the field this season. He believed that he didn’t fit into the scheme Ryan was running, so he essentially gave up on trying. From there, he vocally blamed Ryan for ruining the defense and essentially insulted the head coach’s game plan. Obviously, the Bills’ defense didn’t live up to expectations this season, but Williams was wrong to blame Ryan, one of the league’s best defensive coaches, for the struggles. It was on the players’ effort as well as the change in scheme.
The final factor that will make the release of Williams easy for the team is the money left on his deal. Williams has two years left on the six-year, $96 million deal he signed with the team back in 2012, and he is set to count almost $20 million against the salary cap. The 30-year-old is no longer worth the investment because of his attitude, performance and also his age.
Williams was not a bust signing for the Bills, but he definitely does not deserve to play out the last two years of his contract. Williams needs to get a wake-up call and go to another team with a scheme that better suits his skills. He no longer has a place in Buffalo, and coach Ryan and GM Doug Whaley are making a good move by getting rid of him.
Jacob Camenker is an NFL Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. You can like him on Facebook here, follow him on Twitter @jacobyhorse, or add him to your network on Google.
