Mario Williams gets the richest deal in NFL history, 6 years, 100 million, with 50 million guaranteed, which dwarfs Julius Peppers’ 6 year, 84 million dollar deal with 42 million guaranteed from 2 offseasons ago. However, at the time of his signing, Peppers was a 30 year old with 81 career sacks. Williams is only 27, with fewer sacks, 53, but this contract will only take him until he’s 32, rather than 35 like Peppers’.

Elite pass rushers in their prime don’t hit the open market very often. In fact, Mario Williams is probably a once in a decade free agent. Did the Bills overpay a little? Maybe, but this move will both solidify their once weak pass rush and energize a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since 1999. Besides, the Bills probably had to overpay. How else would they get a free agent?

I’m not worried about Williams slacking off now that he has 50 million guaranteed. He was the #1 overall pick in 2006 and thus has played under a huge contract before. The Bills are likely getting a top tier pass rusher for the next 6 seasons. My only concern is that he’s coming off an injury plagued season, but that shouldn’t be a recurring problem as Williams had never been seriously injured before last season.

Grade: A