After being released from the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday March 1st, free agent Mario Williams is set to have a meeting with the Miami Dolphins Saturday. Due to the fact that Williams was released from the Bills, Williams is a free agent now and can sign with any team he chooses, even before free agency actually opens, Wednesday March 9th.
The Miami Dolphins placed a transition tag on Olivier Vernon for 12.7 million, which allows other teams to get a long term deal done but also gives Miami the chance to match the highest offer. Since Mario Williams is set to meet with the Dolphins Saturday, it looks evident that if Miami is able to get Williams on a good deal, they would let Vernon walk after a team made a higher offer.
Olivier Vernon is coming off a great a year, which is especially good for his agent during a contract season. But it does bring speculation to whether or not the Dolphins want Vernon or plan to let him walk if a team does try to get a long-term deal done.
There are certainly many teams in the NFL in need of elite pass rushers and Vernon will definitely be considered by a lot of teams in free agency.
Last year was a nightmare for the Giants when it came to getting after the Quarterback. Jason Pierre-Paul’s injury was a huge set back and acquired free agent Robert Ayers couldn’t get healthy enough to be in the lineup consistently. With roughly $60 million in cap space this offseason, the Giants have enough money to get a long-term deal with Vernon, if interested.
Like the Giants, the Cowboys had enough troubles with injuries, and the problems that free agent Greg Hardy made was creating a void in the locker room. Second round draft pick last year Randy Gregory, failed his fourth drug test since being drafted and will be suspended for four games this season. The Cowboys are looking to get a pass rusher that not only is consistently and productive, but will also fit in well with their current locker room and if interested Vernon could be considered.
It will be interesting too see how Miami’s front office will play this out between Mario Williams and Olivier Vernon.
