Source: Patriots signing top DT Milton Williams in free agency

Doug Kyed, Boston Herald on Mar 10, 2025

Published in Football

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

BOSTON — The New England Patriots are making a splash addition on the first unofficial day of free agency.

The Patriots are signing defensive tackle Milton Williams, according to a source. The Patriots pried him away from the Carolina Panthers. The deal is worth $26 million per year, per NFL Media.

Williams, 25, was among the top free agents available this offseason after a breakout season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound defensive tackle registered five sacks, 24 tackles, 10 QB hits and seven tackles for loss during the regular season. He added two sacks, seven tackles and a forced fumble in the postseason on the way to the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX win over the Chiefs.

Defensive tackle was viewed as one of the Patriots’ biggest needs this offseason. The Pats agreed to trade Davon Godchaux away to the New Orleans Saints on Monday since he’s no longer a fit in the defense now that it’s led by head coach Mike Vrabel and Terrell Williams.

The Patriots’ new defense is expected to be a more aggressive and attacking one-gap scheme. The Patriots’ defensive line has focused on two-gapping and eating space for the last 20-plus years. Adding Williams should help the Patriots’ pass rush, which was among the worst in the NFL last season with 28 sacks in 17 games. Nine of those sacks came in one game against the Bears.

There’s uncertainty whether Christian Barmore will play this season after he was diagnosed with blood clots last July and then had a recurrence during the season. The Patriots also have Eric Johnson, Marcus Harris, Jacquelin Roy and Jeremiah Pharms Jr. at defensive tackle.

The team was busy during the pre-free agency period on Sunday, signing Harold Landry III, who was available because he was released by the Titans last week, and re-signing tight end Austin Hooper. They’ve since agreed to terms with cornerback Carlton Davis, offensive tackle Morgan Moses and linebacker Robert Spillane.

____