Milton Williams Passes Tom Brady for Highest Paid Player in Patriots History

New England's new defensive tackle is a rich man.

Milton Williams is a rich man. / Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots made one of the biggest splashes on Day 1 of NFL free agency, swooping in ahead of the Carolina Panthers to agree to terms on a deal with star defensive tackle Milton Williams.

The details—as relayed by ESPN's Adam Schefter—are a four-year, $104 million contract that includes $63 million in guaranteed money and also makes Williams the highest-paid player in Patriots history in terms of average annual value.

That's right, more than Tom Brady.

At his peak in New England, Brady was making $25 million per season while Williams' new agreement has him at an AAV of $26 million.

Not a bad deal for the 25-year-old budding star.

Alongside former teammate Josh Sweat, who signed with the Cardinals on Monday, Williams wreaked havoc for the Eagles defensive line this season. He notched a career-high five sacks in 2024 while helping lead Philly to their second Super Bowl title since 2018.

He'll now look to help rebuild the struggling Patriots, who also signed defenders Harold Landry III, Robert Spillane, and Carlton Davis III since Sunday night.

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