The 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 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 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 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.
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