NEW YORK — Megatron and Mario, the richest players in the NFL.
NEW YORK — Megatron and Mario, the richest players in the NFL.
When linebacker-end Mario Williams signed a six-year contract Thursday with the Buffalo Bills worth $100 million, $50 million guaranteed, he became the highest-paid defensive player in league history. Williams’ mega-deal followed by one day the $132 million contract the Detroit Lions gave their star receiver, Calvin Johnson.
Johnson’s haul is the most for any NFL player at any position.
Other than Peyton Manning, whose search for a new team continues, Williams was the most sought free agent in this year’s class; Johnson already was under contract in Detroit.
“It’s one of those things you don’t get many chances like this, and opportunities to come in and be the guy who can help the team get across the hump,” said Williams, who was in Buffalo since the free agency period opened Tuesday, having been flown in from his home in North Carolina. “And that’s definitely what I’m here for. My whole intention is to come here, work with guys like Kyle (Williams) and (Marcell) Dareus and make this thing happen.”
The first overall draft pick by Houston in 2006, Williams became a pass-rushing force and all-around standout at end before moving to linebacker in the Texans’ new 3-4 alignment last year. But he played only five games in 2011 before a torn chest muscle sidelined him.
Buffalo targeted Williams to upgrade a defense that ranked 26th overall and 28th against the run. The Bills had only 29 sacks last year; Williams has 53 for his career.
Earlier Thursday, guard Ben Grubbs agreed on a five-year, $36 million contract with New Orleans, where he will replace All-Pro Carl Nicks, who left the previous day for NFC South rival Tampa Bay. Grubbs gets $16 million guaranteed, including a $10 million signing bonus.
“Ben comes to us from an offense in Baltimore that experienced a lot of success, both running the football and in pass protection,” Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said. “He was a big part of that and we believe that he can come right in and fit into our program without missing a beat.”
Nicks is considered one of the league’s best pass blockers and was a key part of the Saints’ record-setting offense. Grubbs made the Pro Bowl last season with the Ravens.
Another offensive lineman switching teams was Steve Hutchinson, a five-time All Pro with seven Pro Bowls who left Minnesota for Tennessee. Hutchinson changed teams as a free agent once before, in 2006 when he left Seattle for the Vikings.