Patriots: 3 free agents that will be a total waste of money for New England

2: DL Leonard Williams

Leonard Williams’ sack totals could be misleading.

After making a Pro Bowl in his second year with the New York Jets, Williams was singled out as a major reason for their defensive decline, as his 0.5 sacks in 2019 earned him a trade to the rival Giants. In a Patrick Graham defense more conducive to his skill set, Williams exploded, recording 11.5 sacks on a much-improved unit.

Williams will cash in this offseason, and a New England defense that thrives on having players like him that can man multiple positions might entice the Pats to pick him up. However, there are plenty of issues that should scare them away from bringing in their former arch-rival.

If Williams insists on getting top pass rusher money, that could give him a deal in excess of $20 million per year, a number that only five other players have surpassed. Furthermore, Williams’ pass rush numbers could be a product of Graham’s system, as he recorded 17 sacks in 4.5 seasons as a Jet before nabbing 12 in just under two seasons as a Giant.

Versatility is what will make Williams a lot of money this offseason, but that’s not what Belichick needs. To run his ideal defense, he needs an explosive pass rusher that can come screaming off of the edge and pressure the quarterback on all three downs, much like Chandler Jones once did. Williams will get paid, but he might be a funky fit in New England.