Patriots stun Panthers, poach Milton Williams on four-year, $104M Deal

Drew Smith
March 10, 2025
Eagles
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In a shocking twist to kick off free agency, Milton Williams is heading to New England—not Carolina—despite early reports suggesting the Panthers were finalizing a deal.

Instead, the Patriots swooped in, upping the ante with a four-year, $104 million contract that includes $63 million guaranteed.

Patriots stun Panthers, poach Milton Williams on $104M Deal

How Did This Happen?

Early Monday, multiple reports had Williams on the verge of signing with the Panthers. But the deal was never finalized, and New England never backed off.

With the most cap space in the NFL, the Patriots made an aggressive late push and convinced Williams to sign with them instead. It’s a massive win for the Patriots, who desperately needed to revamp their defensive front.

Meanwhile, the Panthers just got left at the altar.

The Eagles’ Super Bowl Defense is Getting Picked Apart

Williams’ departure is another tough blow for the Eagles, who already lost Josh Sweat to Arizona on a four-year, $76.4M deal.

Williams had a breakout performance in Super Bowl LIX, notching two sacks and proving to be an underrated force next to Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.

Milton Williams sacks Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LIX

At just 25 years old, Williams was one of the top interior defenders available, and his market exploded. Philly fans knew how good he was, but NFL teams clearly saw it and were willing to pay a shit ton of money to land him too.

The Eagles’ defensive line is still in good shape, but they can’t afford to lose many more pieces. With Carter and Davis still in place, depth becomes a concern, and Howie Roseman will have to act fast to prevent further depletion.

Expect Philly to prioritize another defensive tackle or edge rusher in free agency or look toward the draft to restock. Losing Williams and Sweat in the same day isn’t ideal, but if any GM can pivot, it’s Howie.

This move stings for the Eagles, crushes the Panthers, and vaults the Patriots into serious defensive relevance. Milton Williams got paid, and New England was willing to outbid everyone to get him.

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