Interesting tidbit on Mario Williams' FA next season

[Bears4Ever_34]

Williams is now a linebacker, meaning he would be categorized among linebackers when it comes to salary calculation. Franchising a player means you are guaranteeing that player at least the average of the top five salaries at his position and the average salary of the top five linebackers is roughly $10 million. Problem: Williams' current cap number is $18 million. Since Williams' cap number is greater than $10 million, franchising Williams means the Texans must guarantee him 120 percent of his current salary next season. It's the way the rule works, either the average of the top five salaries or a 120 percent of the player's salary, whichever is greater. In short, franchising Mario would commit the Texans to paying him over $21 million for the 2012 season alone.

 

http://www.foxsportshouston.com/11/18/11/F...amp;feedID=3714

 

How wicked would a Peppers/Mario Williams d line look in Chicago? I forgot he was even a free agent. It doesn't look like the Texans are going to be able to franchise him, so the possibility of him leaving becomes significantly greater. Obviously the Bears have some of their own issues, as far as long term contracts are concerned, and I'm not sure what there money situation looks like for next season, but that would be quite a splash to sign this guy.

[madlithuanian]

All else being equal I'd love to have the guy.

 

OL and Wr are still the priorities...but strengthening the D line or LB corps is not a bad move.

 

http://www.foxsportshouston.com/11/18/11/F...amp;feedID=3714

 

How wicked would a Peppers/Mario Williams d line look in Chicago? I forgot he was even a free agent. It doesn't look like the Texans are going to be able to franchise him, so the possibility of him leaving becomes significantly greater. Obviously the Bears have some of their own issues, as far as long term contracts are concerned, and I'm not sure what there money situation looks like for next season, but that would be quite a splash to sign this guy.

 

[lemonej]

All else being equal I'd love to have the guy.

 

OL and Wr are still the priorities...but strengthening the D line or LB corps is not a bad move.

A move to solidify the end position would not surprise me since this past off season the Bears spent most of their money on the defensive side of the ball.I also wouldn't be surprised if they felt the need to shore up the depth at the safety position.

[DABEARSDABOMB]

I'd be all for it. You can never have too many talented pass rushers. Especially in a cover 2 defense.

[Bears4Ever_34]

I just wonder if the Bears will go after him or not. I imagine he'll be the #1 free agent for next season, so it's not going to be easy. Although selling him on getting a chance to pair up with Julius Peppers should be an easy enough strategy to entice him to come over here. With Forte more than likely getting franchised next year, we should still have enough money to pursue one big name, especially with the left over money we didn't spend this past offseason.

[balta1701-A]

I just wonder if the Bears will go after him or not. I imagine he'll be the #1 free agent for next season, so it's not going to be easy. Although selling him on getting a chance to pair up with Julius Peppers should be an easy enough strategy to entice him to come over here. With Forte more than likely getting franchised next year, we should still have enough money to pursue one big name, especially with the left over money we didn't spend this past offseason.

The Bears' real problem is that they have a couple other needs, particularly WR, where big money can make a big difference too.

 

I'm not sure on this team whether they'll be in on a player like this or not. They ought to at least put in a call, that would be a huge move if the Bears can pull the cap space off.