Texans Apparenly Using Mario Williams As Bait To Lower Reggie Bush' Contract Demands

I'm certain the problem is that "Team Bush" is asking for quarterback-level dollars -- something like a $50 million signing bonus and $70 million contract -- and the Texans aren't going to pay that. So, enter Mario Williams. For draft first-timers, it's not the first time a defensive player would be picked number one. The Dallas Cowboys did it with Russell Maryland.

April 18, 2006, 11:28PM

ON PRO FOOTBALL
Flirtations before draft make Houston spin city

By JOHN MCCLAIN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

The Texans insist there's no guarantee they will use the first pick in the draft on running back Reggie Bush.

The Texans swear that those of us who believe Bush's name will be the first called by commissioner Paul Tagliabue on April 29 could end up being terribly wrong.


When team executives talk so glowingly about defensive end Mario Williams, they do so almost in unison, as if they're reading from a script.

You point out to them that they invited Williams to visit them one day after Bush and agent Joel Segal left town. You mention that even though both sides insist money was never brought up while Bush and Segal were in town, rumors are circulating that the agent mentioned figures so preposterous that they called Williams the next day.

Merely coincidences, the Texans claim. They say they really are as enamored of Williams as they are of Bush. They say they think both will be superstars. They insist that coming down the stretch, Williams has closed the gap with Bush, and it's a dead heat.

They also know hardly anyone believes them. And they're right.

Most of us can accept taking Bush over Vince Young. Bush has impeccable credentials. He's instant excitement. He has take-your-breath-away speed and quickness, and every time he touches the ball he's capable of scoring. And Bush has the fear factor in his favor. When the huddle breaks, the defense has to account for him all over the field.


Big and speedy

The Texans agree, but they counter that Williams (6-7, 295) runs a 4.70 40-yard dash, bench-presses 18-wheelers and has other impeccable credentials. When the ball's snapped, he's instant excitement, too. Just imagine him bearing down on Peyton Manning. Just imagine the kind of rush Williams will provide.
Yeah, but Williams doesn't score touchdowns. Bush will score a lot more than Williams prevents.

Still, during peak smoke-
screen season, when we know team executives around the league are lying because their lips are moving — what if the Texans are telling the truth?

What if coach Gary Kubiak really does believe Williams is the best prospect in the draft? Not the best defensive prospect, which everyone agrees on, but the best prospect overall. Perhaps even one of the best ever.

Kubiak loves to watch tape of players. When he hits the pause button, perhaps he leans back and thinks, "Would I rather use my first draft choice as a head coach on the next Reggie White or the next Barry Sanders?"

After leaving Philadelphia, White helped turn around a franchise and won a Super Bowl ring with Green Bay.

Sanders was one of the greatest and most exciting runners in history, but the closest he got to the Super Bowl was a big-screen television.

Still, White wouldn't have won a Super Bowl without Brett Favre. Perhaps Sanders would be wearing a Super Bowl ring if he had played with White or Favre.


Good predicament

The Texans say they're torn right now. And they say it with a straight face. When they say it, their fingers aren't crossed. Their toes aren't, either.
Perhaps owner Bob McNair really was serious last week when he said the Texans believe Williams can make the same kind of impact on defense that Bush can make on offense.

Williams plays the position that's ticketed for Anthony Weaver, the most expensive free agent signed this offseason.

But Williams is so good he can play the right side. In passing situations, imagine a scenario where Williams would move to left end when Weaver moved inside. Antwan Peek would come off the bench.

Bush, of course, could line up in the I-formation or one- and two-back sets. He also could line up at wide receiver or in the slot.

He can also return kickoffs and punts, which Williams can't do. At least, we don't think he can.

So this is what we've come to: Bush vs. Williams instead of Bush vs. Young.

Decisions, decisions.

No matter how much the Texans insist they've fallen in love with Williams and that it's not just a spring fling, here's something we can't get beyond: that the Texans' interest in Williams will disappear if Segal calls and says something like, "I really would like to get this deal done before the draft so Reggie and I can parade around Manhattan next week like a float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade."

John McClain covers the Texans and the NFL for the Chronicle. john.mcclain@chron.com.