Bills, Williams agree on $100 million deal
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.
“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.
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.
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.
Kansas City agreed to a three-year, $9 million deal with tight end Kevin Boss, who spent one season with Oakland after four with the New York Giants. The Chiefs’ starter at the position, Tony Moeaki, missed all of 2011 with a torn left knee ligament.
Safety Brodney Pool took a one-year deal with Dallas, which has been busy in free agency despite losing $10 million in salary cap space over two years.
