Patriots have good reasons to take a Super Bowl star away from the Eagles in free agency
The New England Patriots have the opportunity to target a key piece of the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl winning team. ESPN picked the best fit for 50 of the top free agents, and defensive tackle Milton Williams was matched with the Patriots. "The Patriots could make another defensive upgrade with Williams, who moved up our […]
The New England Patriots have the opportunity to target a key piece of the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl winning team.
ESPN picked the best fit for 50 of the top free agents, and defensive tackle Milton Williams was matched with the Patriots.
"The Patriots could make another defensive upgrade with Williams, who moved up our ranks after his two sacks and a forced fumble in Super Bowl LIX. Williams had five sacks and 18 pressures during the regular season, and I see a disruptor on tape with the strength to displace blockers at the point of attack. He also has the short-area burst to slip interior offensive linemen. He could be a difference-maker with Davon Godchaux and Christian Barmore (currently out with blood clots) inside," ESPN's Matt Bowen wrote.
The Patriots signed Godchaux to a two-year, $16.5 million contract extension prior to the start of the 2024 season. And then there's Barmore, who's status is somewhat up in the air.
Barmore was hospitalized with blood clots in July, putting his season in jeopardy. He worked hard and was able to return in the middle of November, but he was placed back on the non-football illness list after experiencing some recurring symptoms in December. Barmore recently teased a potential return with a simple tweet on Feb. 10.
But, if the 2024 season proved anything, it's that they could definitely use some help on the defensive line.
A to Z Sports' Eagles reporter Kelsey Kramer provided some more analysis on what Williams brings to the table.
"Williams will be looking for a big pay day wherever he ends but he’ll be worth it. The 26-year-old appears to just be getting started after a season full of career highs in sacks (5) and QB pressures (40). He also logged two additional sacks in the Eagles’ Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs. His versatility makes him the perfect addition to any defense looking for of an immediate boost to their pass rush this offseason. And it’s worth noting that in four seasons with the Birds, Williams missed just one game due to a concussion," Kramer wrote.
Milton could have a lot of suitors after his performance this season, but the Patriots have plenty of cap space to make a move.
