New Patriots Defender Details Dramatic New England Move In Free Agency

Milton Williams earned a franchise-record deal in free agency from the New England Patriots to the tune of four years and $104 million.

Williams led a defensive overhaul of new additions along with edge rusher Harold Landry III, linebacker Robert Spillane and cornerback Carlton Davis. The Patriots nearly lost out on the Super Bowl LIX champion before an improved offer right before decision time.

“My agent was on the phone, and I was kind of in the room,” Williams shared on NFL Network’s “The Insiders” Friday, as transcribed by NFL.com’s Kevin Patra. “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 and I was like, ‘Alright, it sounds like the best offer we are going to get, so, we were going there.'”

Williams continued: “Then, 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 at. 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.”

Williams and his fellow new Patriots visited Gillette Stadium for their group introductory press conference and got a feel for New England. This free agent class, along with head coach Mike Vrabel, has an uphill climb to reset expectations for the franchise’s modern regime.

“They welcomed me with open arms,” Williams added. “I just came back from a visit up there last weekend, signing my contract, getting to know the staff, and touring the building. It’s going to be cool. Coach Vrabel was just preaching to me how they are going to use me in their defense. Also, how he wants a guy at every level of the defense for free agency. He wants us to come in and try to change the culture around with what’s been going on in New England the last couple of years. I definitely think he picked the right guys for that.”

The Patriots definitely aren’t the only Boston team to sway a marquee-free agent away from another team in the last few months.