With more cap space than any other team heading into free agency, the New England Patriots were expected to be one of the most active teams in the NFL. GM Eliot Wolf didn't disappoint. Within hours of the start of free agency, the Patriots began shelling out massive deals to improve the roster.
First, they signed linebacker Robert Spillane to a three-year, $37 million deal. Then they followed it up with lucrative, multi-year deals for veteran offensive tackle Morgan Moses and stud cornerback Carlton Davis. Their fourth reported signing of the day, however, was their biggest one.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on Bluesky that the Patriots were signing Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams to a deal worth $26 million per year. The final contract numbers came out to a four-year, $104 million deal.
Williams was arguably the best interior defensive linemen in free agency and will likely be the biggest contract the Patriots will give out this offseason. The fourth-year player had a breakout campaign in 2024, improving his level of play throughout the year. During Philadelphia's run to the Lombardi Trophy, he had turned himself into one of the most important defenders on the team. He was a real difference maker in the NFC championship game and the Super Bowl, receiving an 89.6 and 90.9 PFF grade, respectively.
Considering his age and the fact that his prime is ahead of him, Williams makes a ton of sense for the Patriots. He is one of the best pass-rushing defensive tackles in the league.
At the same time, this makes him the third-highest interior defender in the league. Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs and Christian Wilkins of the Las Vegas Raiders are the only players who are paid a higher annual salary. However, Williams hasn't proven himself at that level so far in his NFL career. In 2024, he finished as the 14th-best player in the position per PFF.
This contract pays Williams like the player the Patriots hope he will become. If he can't play at an All-Pro level, this deal could be a hindrance for New England going forward.