The Denver Broncos may need some depth in the pass rush department, and former Texans, Bills, and Dolphins DE Mario Williams could be an option…
The Denver Broncos could be in need of some reinforcements on the defensive front with Shaquil Barrett on the NFI list because of a hip injury, and now Shane Ray out 6-8 weeks with a ligament injury in his wrist. Mario Williams wouldn’t have been atop anyone’s free agent wish list, but he has some significant connections in Denver and could be an option.
Williams was the number one overall pick of the Houston Texans in 2006 and didn’t really blossom (in a big way) until he left Houston for the Buffalo Bills in 2012.
He ripped off three straight seasons with 10.5 sacks or more, but dropped off in a big way this past season with the Miami Dolphins, playing in 13 games with just five starts, 13 tackles, and 1.5 sacks.
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Still, Williams played for Vance Joseph last season, so there is familiarity there. He also enjoyed one of the most productive seasons of his NFL career in Buffalo when Fred Pagac was their outside linebackers coach, a position he now holds with the Denver Broncos.
Williams is obviously also very familiar with Gary Kubiak, who is in the Broncos’ scouting department and Bill Kollar, the defensive line coach.
If Williams can prove he’s in shape, he’d be another option for the Broncos with a couple of guys injured. It might not be the highest option on the wish list, which could obviously be just to bring back DeMarcus Ware from retirement, but you never know.
With all of the connections he has in Denver, he the former top overall pick could be the guy that ends up getting the call.