Milton Williams was one of the top defensive tackles available this offseason, and it didn’t take long for him to land a big contract.
Before signing a four-year, $104 million deal with the New England Patriots, though, he came close to joining the Carolina Panthers. So, what changed his mind?
Milton Williams Explains Why He Chose Patriots Over Panthers
In an interview on Friday’s episode of “The Insiders,” Williams shared that the Panthers looked like the best option — until the Patriots made their move.
“My agent was on the phone, and I was kind of in the room,” he said. “They were on the phone talking to teams, and teams were coming in with new deals. There was a lot going on, and it happened really fast. They talked about Carolina then, and I was like, ‘Alright, it sounds like the best offer we’re going to get,’ so we were going to go there.”
The Patriots then offered a four-year, $104 million contract with $51 million guaranteed, the richest contract in New England’s history. Williams said the Patriots made him feel like a priority — so he made them his.
“A split second later, New England hopped on and was like, ‘Nah, this is what we got for you.’ Carolina felt like they went too high on their number, so they stayed where they were. New England came in, and it was over after that. They wanted me the most and made me a priority. So, I made them a priority.”
Milton Williams explains to The Insiders why he chose Patriots over Panthers: "They wanted me the most and made me a priority. So, I made them a priority."https://t.co/fw7mPtvjLT pic.twitter.com/5waoPA6Ux5
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 21, 2025
In PFSN’s top 121 free agent rankings, Williams came in at No. 52, mostly because of his role in Philadelphia. He wasn’t a starter, playing behind Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, but he stood out as a rotational pass rusher. His 14.2% pressure rate ranked fourth among 101 defensive tackles with at least 100 pass-rush snaps.
With his new deal, Williams is expected to play starter-level snaps and be a key piece of the Patriots’ interior defensive line.
“The more you out there, the more opportunity you got to make plays. And I pride myself on being productive wherever I line up on the defensive line. And I’m gonna bring that here,” Williams said about his role in New England.
By leaving a crowded defensive tackle group in Philly, Williams secured both a payday and a bigger opportunity. While some may question putting a contract over chasing a Super Bowl ring, Williams is proud of what he’s earned — and ready to prove he’s worth every dollar in New England.