Did New England Overpay Milton Williams? Analyst Says it is One of many Worst Offers

As NFL free company acquired sizzling in early 2025, one of many largest shocks wasn’t who they traded to, however how a lot they earned. Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Milton Williams signed an enormous four-year, $104 million contract with the New England Patriots, triggering some questions amongst followers and consultants.

Although the beginning of his profession was comparatively subdued, Williams emerged as a free agent in excessive demand after a breakout 2024 season and a standout playoff efficiency amidst the Eagles’ Super Bowl push. Yet, analysts are questioning whether or not the Patriots grossly overpaid for potential relatively than confirmed consistency.

New England Patriots’ Risky Bet on Milton Williams

Milton Williams confirmed flashes of supremacy in 2024, however nobody anticipated that he might demand $26 million yearly on the free market. His efficiency through the common season—5 sacks, 24 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 10 QB hits was good however hardly spectacular.

According to The Sporting News, what pushed Williams’ inventory to new heights was his contribution to Philadelphia’s postseason success. As a member of a top-ranked defensive staff with stars akin to Jalen Carter, Williams loved diminished consideration and elevated one-on-one alternatives.

The Patriots, reeling from a dismal stretch underneath new head coach Mike Vrabel, bid excessive sufficient to outmuscle the Carolina Panthers for his providers.

NFL Analysts Think It’s Overhyped

NFL analyst Lou Scataglia wasn’t shy when referring to Williams’ contract as one of many worst going into the 2025 season. In Scataglia’s opinion, New England fell into the previous lure of recency bias, overestimating a stable playoff efficiency as a substitute of an entire physique of labor.

“Williams is getting paid a whopping $26 million per year by the New England Patriots, and this honestly feels like one of those instances where a team spent a ton of money just because they had a ton to spend. This is not an accurate representation of the type of production to expect from Milton Williams.”

According to him, franchises at instances confuse a stable supporting forged with private brilliance. With the Eagles having elite linebackers, corners, and a disruptive defensive entrance, Williams excelled inside a useful system, one which will by no means be present in Foxborough.

Can Williams Live Up to His Contract in Foxborough?

With Jerod Mayo exiting and Vrabel taking up, the Patriots are clearly making an attempt to create a brand new defensive identification. Williams, almost definitely positioned as a key inside lineman, has massive footwear to fill. He will not be Jeffery Simmons, however New England expects him to supply stability on the road and unencumber their youthful pass-rushers to develop.

Nevertheless, $104 million is a premium value for a participant who hasn’t performed at an elite stage persistently. If Williams can preserve or exceed his 2024 self, the Patriots might show critics flawed. Otherwise, his contract may show to be an financial handicap for a franchise nonetheless searching for its identification.