Milton Williams, a standout defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, has agreed to a four-year, $104 million contract with the New England Patriots, averaging $26 million annually. This agreement positions Williams as the NFL’s third-highest-paid interior defensive lineman, following Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs and Christian Wilkins of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Williams, drafted by the Eagles in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Louisiana Tech, had a breakout season in 2024. He recorded career highs with five sacks and ten quarterback hits, contributing significantly to Philadelphia’s Super Bowl LIX victory, where he notably sacked Patrick Mahomes twice.
The Patriots’ head coach, Mike Vrabel, emphasized a strategic yet aggressive approach to free agency, leading to the acquisition of Williams. Williams is expected to bolster a defensive line that includes Christian Barmore and Keion White, aiming to improve a unit that ranked low in pressure rates and sack totals in the previous season.
This move underscores New England’s commitment to strengthening its defense, with Williams anticipated to play a pivotal role in the team’s success in the upcoming season.