FOXBOROUGH – When the Patriots came up with an ‘aggressive’ plan for free agency, they set their sights on Milton Williams.
That’s why Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf couldn’t let the young defensive tackle escape their grasp – even if cost over $100 million.
This offseason, landing Williams was a top priority for the Patriots and their new head coach. That’s why the team went back to William’s agent and secured his services for the foreseeable future.
On Thursday, in an introductory press conference, Vrabel explained why the Patriots coveted Williams and why they
“I think it’s always about the entire package. When you look at compensation, it’s the body of work. It’s what they’re going to do for us,” Vrabel said. “… There’s a high ceiling and a great vision about the person, the effort, the skillset, the speed in which he plays. There’s power. Certainly, there’s an aggressiveness. To be able to add him to our defensive line is something that was really exciting.”
On Monday, the NFL’s legal tampering period started at noon. By 1:30 p.m., ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Williams was finalizing a multi-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. Nearly 45 minutes later, however, the Patriots upped their offer and Williams agreed to a 4-year, $104 million deal with New England.
That gives Williams the biggest contract in Patriots franchise history.
“It was a fast process. My agent was telling me teams were interested. Once a number got to a certain point, a lot of teams dropped out,” Williams said. “The Patriots were the ones that wanted me the most. I made it a priority to come here. They made me a priority. They value what I bring to the table as far as being a versatile player on the d-line, a leader, and a hard worker. They believed in me, so I’m going to try to give it back to them as much as I can.”
Williams started 7 of 17 games played for the Eagles last season. The 25-year-old played 47.9% of Philadelphia’s defensive snaps. Vrabel said the Patriots plan on playing him a lot more. At 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, the Patriots see a player who will help their defensive line in several ways. Williams finished with five sacks and 10 quarterback hits last season. He was also dominant in Super Bowl LIX, sacking Patrick Mahomes twice.
Williams is also stout against the run and could form a talented due with defensive tackle Christian Barmore. The newest Patriot said he’s happy to be in New England already motivated to prove the team right.
“They believe in me. Obviously, they studied me as a player and a person,” Williams said. “They know what I bring to the table physicality, toughness, determination and you know, I thrive on people telling me I can’t do something, so bring it on.”
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