Mario Williams says top-dollar deal not his goal as he hopes to remain with Texans

[cruzg24]

Becoming the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history is not Mario Williams’ goal as he approaches unrestricted free agency March 13.

The Texans are trying to create enough salary-cap space to make Williams an offer impressive enough to get him to sign a long-term contract before free agency begins. If the outside linebacker hits the open market, there are teams with so much cap room and such a desperate need for pass rushers that he could end up with the largest contract of any defensive player ever.

“I’m not worried about that,” Williams said Thursday. “It’s really not that big of a deal to me. I was the first pick (in 2006), and I’ve already had everything I really wanted, so my biggest thing is to be in a good position, a good scheme, a good system and continuing my career. Hopefully, it works out.

“It’s always important to be in a position to be successful. That comes with teammates around you, coaching, having that winning attitude. You want to (play) where you can thrive no matter where you are.”

Williams knows the Texans are cap-strapped. He also knows owner Bob McNair, general manager Rick Smith and coach Gary Kubiak have made him the team’s top priority.

“I love it here,” Williams said. “We’ve got everything we need here. The team is right where it needs to be. The pieces fit, but it’s part of business. Whatever happens happens.”

Williams’ original six-year, $54 million contract expires next month. He earned $18 million this past season. The Texans aren’t likely to use the franchise designation on him because it would be about $22.9 million, and they can’t afford that kind of cap hit.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Williams said. “I haven’t heard anything. I don’t know what their intentions are.”

Sitting and waiting

Their intentions are to clear up enough cap room to make Williams an offer that might be good enough to get his name on the dotted line.

At some point soon, Williams’ agent, Ben Dogra, will start negotiating with Smith and vice president of administration Chris Olsen.

“I’m not focused on telling my agent, ‘Hey, do this or do that because I want to be the highest-paid (defensive) player,’ ” Williams said. “It’s whatever fits best for myself and the team.

“(The Texans) have to do their thing. I know they have a lot on their plate getting ready for the combine and draft. So I’m just waiting. That’s part of being in this position. I tell my agent to just let me know what’s going on. Whatever he hears, he’ll tell me. Once I’m told something (concrete), then we’ll sit down and talk about it. I’m not really worried about it.”

Source: Ultimate Texans

 

[kam.]

LOL.. Money doesn't matter? Okay, sure.

 

[jonathanlambert33]

It isn't the biggest factor, the reason the Jags won't sign the big guys you expect them too.

 

[kam.]

It isn't the biggest factor, the reason the Jags won't sign the big guys you expect them too.

Obviously hes just saying this so in the end when he leaves, it will look like he actually wanted to stay in Houston and Fans will be somewhat Okay with that and mad at the Franchise for not paying him when in the end, he wanted more money than was being reported. Happens every year.

 

[RManske2]

So I have about 100 million reasons why I disagree with Mr. Williams that it is not all about the money, ha ha...

 

[kam.]

I say it here day in and day out.. All the players care about is what? Money.. They don't care about winning, or losing..