The Patriots continue to make big moves for their defense at the start of the legal tampering period on Monday and just won perhaps the best signing of all free agency and it technically hasn't started yet.
After starting the morning by signing linebacker Robert Spillane from the Raiders and cornerback Carlton Davis from the Lions, the Patriots then signed big time right tackle Morgan Moses to help set up the offensive line for Drake Maye this coming season.
Adding to their chaotic yet so far so good Monday, it was then reported they signed the best player available of the 2025 free agency class by stealing defensive tackle Milton Williams from the Eagles, but really the Panthers, who were nearing a deal with the Super Bowl winner until the Patriots swooped in with their incredible offer.
Comp update: Milton Williams reached agreement with the Patriots on a four-year, $104 million deal that includes $63 million guaranteed. Carolina worked on a deal, but New England upped its price and would not be denied. https://t.co/QE342aNywI
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2025
Besides being a massive move to make Williams one of the highest paid players at the position, it's a solid indicator of what Mike Vrabel is prioritizing while putting together the Patriots new roster for the 2025 season.
Patriots are creating a dominant and scary defense with Milton Williams signing
With a defensive-minded head coach, there was always the expectation that the Patriots would massively improve their defensive roster with Mike Vrabel calling the shots. That was even the belief last season with Jerod Mayo in the building, but that vision never came to fruition.
Because of his experience as a former head coach and as a player in the NFL, Vrabel is clearly wanting to put together a defense that resembles the teams he played on during his years in New England, and that is even more apparent with their aggressive offer to ensure Williams would join the team.
The 25-year-old was projected to be the most sought-after free agent of the 2025 class and was reportedly receiving calls from at least four teams. The Panthers were said to be nearing a deal just minutes before it was announced that Williams was joining the Patriots.
Of course, he was said to be on the Patriots radar, but it looked like he wouldn't be headed to Foxboro, only for a $26 million a year salary to do the trick. It might be a slight overpay to some, but that's the position the Patriots are in right now and they fortunately have the cap space to do it.
Milton brings the kind of production the Patriots defense desperately needs and will unequivocally make opposing offenses fear lining up against them.
Over the course of his four-year career in Philadelphia, he recorded 132 combined tackles, 25 for a loss, 29 quarterback hits, 11.5 sacks, six passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He also adds post-season experience stemming back to his rookie season, with his most impressive year being 2024, making his arrival in Foxboro even more exciting to see him build upon that.