It was reported earlier on Tuesday that the Miami Dolphins might be able to land free agent defensive end Mario Williams.
That now appears to be a certainty. Adam Schefter reports the deal is done, and according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the deal will pay Williams $8 million per season:
The #Dolphins deal with pass-rusher Mario Williams should come today, sources says, and it's expected to land him $8M per year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2016
Williams, 31, is coming off a down season with the Buffalo Bills. He recorded just five sacks and seemed to be a fish out of water in Rex Ryan’s defensive scheme. This came on the heels of the former No. 1 pick tallying 38 sacks in the previous three seasons.
By adding Williams to a defensive line that already includes Olivier Vernon and Ndamukong Suh, the Dolphins have set themselves up well in the front four. However, this move could also signal the team’s acceptance that Vernon will leave via free agency after being slapped with the transition tag, which sets up a bidding war.
This comes one day after the team reportedly acquired linebacker Kiko Alonso and cornerback Byron Maxwell from the Philadelphia Eagles in a trade that will be finalized when the new league year begins on Wednesday.
Needless to say, the Dolphins are looking to revamp their defense midstream. Adding Williams will help that a great deal.