The Jacksonville Jaguars look to be major players in the 2012 NFL offseason in free agency, as they have roughly $45 million in salary cap room and new Jaguars owner Shad Khan has said he plans to spend to the cap. One player that could possibly hit free agency is defensive end Mario Williams. The former number one overall pick in the draft is coming off shortened season due to a torn pectoral muscle, but is expected to make a full recovery and be ready to go. Most also expect the talented defensive end to hit the free agent market. Paul Kuharsky of ESPN's AFC South Blog expects the Jaguars to be major players for Williams services.
Kuharksy of ESPN thinks Seattle and Jacksonville could be major players for Mario Williams if he's available in free agency.
— John Oehser (@JohnOehser) February 24, 2012
The Texans are going to have a hard time keeping Williams, as his franchise tag number will be roughly $22 million guaranteed for the season. The Texans also don't have much cap room and need to think about keeping star running back Arian Foster, as well as address some other positions. It would take some mighty generous and crafty contract restructuring for the Texans to be able to fit Williams in. Fortunately for the Texans, they're in position to not be devestated by Williams walking, as outside linebackers Brooks Reed and Conner Barwin provided plenty of pass rush in the Texans new 3-4 defense while Williams was out.