The Panthers have, as expected, made a strong push with respect to an outside defensive addition. Milton Williams is on Carolina’s radar.
Team and player are finalizing a deal, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Nothing is in place for now, and free agent deals cannot of course be signed until the new league year begins on Wednesday. Terms can be agreed to at any time, though, and Williams would represent a major addition for the Panthers.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports other teams are still making their own efforts to secure Williams. A Panthers arrangement is considered close, but a last-minute change could still take place. The Eagles standout entered the week as PFR’s No. 3 free agent and second-best defender. It comes as no surprise interest has quickly been shown early in the negotiating period.
Once Osa Odighizuwa agreed to a new Cowboys deal (with a franchise tag looming anyway), it was clear Williams would be the top DL free agent in 2025. His rookie pact consisted of a part-time role in Philadelphia, but it allowed him to showcase his upside. Williams set a new career high in sacks (five) and QB hits (10) in 2024 during the regular season, then delivered highly impactful performances during the team’s Super Bowl run.