Patriots Rumors: Key New Details About Milton Williams Addition

The Patriots really wanted Milton Williams, but they hardly were the only team that coveted his services.

Williams initially seemed bound for Carolina, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday reported the Panthers were working to finalize a deal with the standout defensive tackle. But less than an hour later, it was reported New England and Williams agreed to terms on a massive four-year deal. The Super Bowl LIX champion effectively confirmed the pact himself on social media with a post that surely excited the Foxboro Faithful.

However, the bidding for Williams wasn’t a two-horse race between the Patriots and the Panthers. NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe detailed the 25-year-old’s foray into the league’s legal tampering period shortly after he committed to New England.

“Negotiations were going on all morning,” Wolfe said on “Free Agency Frenzy.” “His people were talking with the Cardinals, with the Vikings, with the Panthers. The Panthers at one point thought they got the deal done, but the Patriots upped their ante. They got Milton Williams, who I was told was their No. 1 priority in free agency.”

Defense was the focus for Mike Vrabel and company on the first day they were eligible to actively pursue marquee free agents. In addition to Williams, the Patriots reportedly agreed to terms with cornerback Carlton Davis, linebacker Robert Spillane and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga.

Vrabel is one of the NFL’s sharper defensive minds, and he’s poised to have a very solid group to work with in his first season at the helm in New England.