Buffalo Bills Rumors: Mario Williams Will be Cut After the Season

Just one year after registering a career-high 14.5 sacks, Mario Williams is set to be released by the Buffalo Bills during the off-season.

Mario Williams is often pointed out as being the Buffalo Bills top pass-rushing threat. However, the chances are that Sunday’s game against the New York Jets will be the last time fans get to see him in action in Western New York.

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As per The Associated Press, a person with direct knowledge of the situation has advised the Bills will cut Williams after the season. This report was later confirmed by Tyler Dunne of The Buffalo News.

Once this move takes place, the official reason will be that Williams’ contract was too expensive. Cutting him will save $12.9 million against the salary cap for next season.

However, the former first overall draft pick has not endeared himself to the Bills front office this season, with his public criticism of Rex Ryan’s defensive scheme. Furthermore, he has struggled to adapt to the new setup, thus making him expendable.

There is no denying that Williams handled the situation in the wrong manner, but his frustrations were understandably. The defense took a dramatic fall this season, after previously being one of the top units in the NFL.

Oct 4, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams (94) against the New York Giants at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Giants beat the Bills 24 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Entering the final game of the 2015 campaign, the Bills are ranked 16th in points allowed and 20th in yards given up. This is a far cry from ranking fourth in both areas the year before, with virtually the same personnel.

On top of this, Buffalo is currently second-worst in the NFL with only 20 sacks, after leading the league with 54 in 2014. Williams struggles epitomize this fall from grace with just four sacks this season, just one year after registering a career-high 14.5.

Interestingly, there is some indication the four-time Pro Bowler never gave Ryan’s new defense a chance. In fact, he apparently checked out before the 2015 season even started.

One teammate, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke to Dunne about Williams’ attitude: “It’s been clear to me that Mario doesn’t care about anybody but himself.

“He followed that up by not giving any effort during the season and complaining about the scheme instead of manning up and saying he played like crap and doesn’t care. (He) totally checked out.”

If this is true, in some respects it doesn’t make sense, as Williams had played lights out for the Bills during his first three years with the team. Highlights include setting a franchise record with 4.5 sacks in a game, and being named First-team All-Pro after the 2014 season.

So what changed for a player who was originally signed to the biggest contact in team history (since surpassed by Marcell Dareus)? It all points back to the 30-year old’s lack of belief in the defensive scheme.

In fairness to Williams, it’s hard not to argue with this perspective when you consider how this season has panned out. In that respect, he isn’t alone.

Once more speaking anonymously to Dunne, several of Williams’ teammates are furious with Ryan’s system. One player’s frustration is based on the fact Jim Schwartz’s straightforward, attacking defense was so effective.

Next: Rex Ryan gets one more chance with the Bills

Overall, the writing was on the wall for the Richlands, North Carolina native, once the owners confirmed they will stick with Ryan for next season. Rightly or wrongly, the Bills head coach will get the opportunity to turn things around.

As for Williams, he will soon be free to sign for another team. The question is, how much will the circumstances surrounding this season impact his value on the open market?

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