Panthers expected to sign Eagles Super Bowl star at onset of NFL free agency

The Panthers are expected to sign one of the top free agent targets on the market, coming to terms with Eagles DT Milton Williams in the NFL's legal tampering period Monday.

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams (93) celebrates with defensive end Brandon Graham (55) after a play against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Correction/clarification: A previous version of this article suggested a contract had been signed. The latest version has the correct information.

The Carolina Panthers made their first big foray into free agency. While they did extend Jaycee Horn on a record contract, they have just made their first addition in the form of someone who wasn't on the roster already. In doing so, they nabbed a Super Bowl star and someone who fills their biggest need.

Milton Williams, long one of the top DTs on the market and someone pegged to be on Carolina's big board, is headed to Charlotte, according to multiple media reports. The terms of the deal are not yet confirmed, and won't be finalized until signings become officials at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, but one thing is cemented: Carolina is serious about fixing the defense.

The most coveted FA DT tackle - Eagles' Milton Williams - is working to get deal done with Carolina, per Schefter. Jonathan Allen visiting Vikings and likes Minnesota. BJ Hill off the board. DTs going fast. Fins must address obviously if no Calais.

— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) March 10, 2025

The Panthers desperately needed to sign a defensive lineman. Sure, they're getting Derrick Brown back, but he alone isn't fixing a defense that allowed over 180 rushing yards per game. The 2023 run defense wasn't great with a historic season from Brown, so he can't do it alone.

Williams was arguably the biggest IDL on the market and easily one of the top defenders, and Carolina went out and made him theirs. It's a big win for Dan Morgan on the first day of his second free agency, and it gives the Panthers a much-needed boost.

That effectively means they don't need to go after another high-end IDL, so Mason Graham in the draft and others in free agency, aside from depth signings, are out. That frees the team up to use the money or capital on other spots. Suddenly, in one move, the Panthers are looking a whole lot better on defense.

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