Sunday's game against the Jets is expected to be Mario Williams' last in a Bills uniform, and it doesn't appear he'll get a heartfelt send-off in his own locker room.
A teammate who requested anonymity ripped the defensive end in an interview with the Buffalo News, saying Williams has "totally checked out" on the team.
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“It’s been clear to me that Mario doesn’t care about anybody but himself,” the player said. “He followed that up by not giving any effort during the season and complaining about the scheme instead of manning up and saying he played like crap and doesn’t care.”
Williams has had plenty to say about the scheme installed in defensive guru Rex Ryan's first season as head coach. While Ryan said earlier this year he has no objections to players voicing complaints, some in the locker room obviously don't agree. Particularly considering Williams has been such a non-factor this season.
The four-time Pro Bowl selection and first overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft has compiled just 17 tackles and four sacks in 14 games this season. He sat out in Week 12 against the Chiefs because of a foot injury but has failed to record a tackle in six games this season — including last week against the Cowboys.
The Associated Press reported Thursday that the Bills plan to release Williams following the season, saving them $12.9 million against the salary cap next year.
While some teammates defended his effort and Williams told the News earlier this week he doesn't listen to what anybody says, at least one Bills player is excited to see how the cash going into Williams' account can be spread around to improve the team as a whole.
“To not give a crap like that shows why teams need to think twice before investing that much in one guy," the anonymous player said. "We could easily have five solid players contributing than one guy who doesn’t give a (expletive).”
