As recently as late last month, Mario Williams indicated he was open to staying with the Bills. The team had other ideas.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported Williams was informed by the team he had been released.
After six seasons with the Texans, Williams joined the Bills in 2012, signing a massive six-year contract with over $49 million guaranteed. While with Buffalo, he was named to two Pro Bowl teams and totaled 43 sacks.
A productive start to his tenure with the Bills turned south this past season as Williams managed just five sacks in 15 games. On top of that, he reportedly called out the team’s coaching staff over their defensive strategy and checked out, as one Bills players said.
With a move that had been expected now a reality, the Bills save almost $13 million in cap space for the upcoming season that can be put to good use. As for the 31-year-old Williams, a change of scenery may be just what he needs and he’s still young enough to put together a few more productive seasons should the opportunity present itself.
