The Carolina Panthers beef up their defensive line with a Super Bowl champion.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Carolina Panthers are finalizing a deal with former Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams.
Former Eagles DT Milton Williams is finalizing a deal with the Panthers, per Schefty.
Huge get for Carolina.
— Field Yates (@fieldyates.bsky.social) 2025-03-10T17:00:45.690Z
Williams spent the last four seasons with the Eagles after they selected him in the third round of the 2021 draft. He never missed a game during his time in Philadelphia and racked up 11.5 sacks from the interior line during those seasons. He capped off his time with the Eagles by sacking Patrick Mahomes twice in the Eagles dominant win over the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
According to PFF’s grades, Williams was a dominant pass rusher but a little bit suspect against the run. The Panthers need help in both departments, but the idea of the front four being able to generate some pressure is a very welcome thought. A unit of Williams, Derrick Brown, and A’Shawn Robinson actually looks somewhat formidable on paper. Aside from Brown’s season ending injury last season, all have a track record of good health as well.
It’s a good start to free agency as the Panthers look to shore up a defense that let up more points than any other unit in NFL history. They’ll surely continue to add parts to that unit in the coming days.
UPDATE: While the initial reports were that the Panthers and Williams were finalizing a deal, there are reports that a number of other teams are trying to swoop in at the 11th hour to entice Williams away from Carolina. More to come.
UPDATE UPDATE: It appears as though Williams will be signing with the Patriots instead.
The Patriots have agreed to terms with ex-Eagle Milton Williams, per source.
New England makes a splash along its defensive line by adding the Super Bowl LIX champion.
— Dianna Russini (@diannarussini.bsky.social) 2025-03-10T18:10:11.415Z