Patriots pull the rug out from under another NFL team by swiping one of the best free agents on the market
The New England Patriots have done it. They landed the biggest free agent this offseason in defensive tackle Milton Williams. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Williams is getting a four year deal worth $26 million per year. Albert Breer further reports that it is a four year deal worth $104 million. The guarantee number is still being […]
The New England Patriots have done it.
They landed the biggest free agent this offseason in defensive tackle Milton Williams. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Williams is getting a four year deal worth $26 million per year.
Albert Breer further reports that it is a four year deal worth $104 million. The guarantee number is still being finalized.
It was reported earlier today that Williams was going to be signing with the Carolina Panthers. The deal was nearly done, but then reports started coming out that he actually had other suitors. And the Patriots swooped in and snagged him.
Along with the Panthers and Patriots, the Arizona Cardinals also showed interest.
Williams is the perfect addition for numerous reasons.
Christian Barmore's status for the 2025 season is up in the air after he was diagnosed with blood clots last year. He returned for a few games in the middle of the season, but was sidelined once again when he had recurring symptoms. And then, there's the fact that the Patriots gave Davon Godchaux permission to seek a trade and he was sent to the New Orleans Saints just before the legal tampering period began.
A to Z Sports' Eagles reporter Kelsey Kramer gave her take on Williams.
"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.
In short: the Patriots got a good one.
New England has a league-leading $127.7 million in available cap money and they are spending it.
