Report: Texans sign Mario Williams

HOUSTON, April 28 (UPI) -- The Houston Texans have signed North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams to a six-year, $54 million deal, ESPN reported Friday.

The deal means Williams will be the No. 1 pick Saturday in the NFL Draft. The signing came as something of a surprise, since the Texans had been expected to use the first pick to take the University of Southern California's Heisman Trophy-winning tailback, Reggie Bush.

The development left draft-watchers wondering who the New Orleans Saints would take with the second overall pick on Saturday. There have been reports the Saints would pick Bush if he didn't go on the first selection, but ESPN suggested Friday Bush's contract demands would exceed the team's expectations -- so the Saints might consider trading the pick.

Bush has received negative publicity this week in connection with possible NCAA rules violations that could threaten USC's football program -- and possibly lead to revocation of his Heisman Trophy. He has denied breaking any rules regarding the provision of housing for his parents in the San Diego area by people who wanted to start up a sports marketing company and represent Bush when he finished school.