The New England Patriots have been off to a hot start in 2025 NFL Free Agency. They made some great signings with players like Harold Landry and Robert Spillane. However, they also proved many media personalities wrong with a couple big splash signings. There has been a narrative around New England for a long time that they refuse to spend money on big time free agents. That was quickly proven wrong on day one of Free Agency. The Patriots made defensive tackle Milton Williams a very rich man with contract of 4 years for 104 million dollars. They also spent big on one of the top corners in free agency, signing Carlton Davis to a 3 year, 60 million dollar contract. After a very active day, let’s recap some of the moves.
Milton Williams, Defensive Tackle
New England made arguably the biggest splash in Free Agency yesterday, signing one of the best available players. Milton Williams, the defensive tackle coming off a Super Bowl victory, was reported to be in the final negotiations of a contract with the Carolina Panthers. Then out of nowhere, he ended up signing a mega deal with New England. Williams is an incredible pass rusher, and at only twenty five years old, has the potential to turn into an absolute game wrecker. If Christian Barmore can come back fully healthy this season, the dynamic duo of Williams and Barmore, will create nightmares for opposing quarterbacks.
Carlton Davis III, Cornerback
The other splash signing for the Patriots was cornerback, Carlton Davis III. Davis was one of the top defensive free agents available and was a great addition to the defense. With Christian Gonzalez locking down one side of the field in New England, Davis will be a spectacular pairing to play opposite of him. New England is building an absolutely deadly defensive unit, which is exactly what is needed in the gauntlet of the AFC.
Multiple Quality Starters Signed
New England made a couple splashes, but also made some great signings for a couple starters. Harold Landry headlines the group, since one of the biggest team needs was edge rusher help. He is a quality veteran that immediately raises the potential in the defensive line group. Pairing him with Milton Williams at defensive tackle could create some very ideal matchups for Landry and allow him to showcase his talent.
Robert Spillane was another good signing for the Patriots, adding some veteran leadership to a thin linebacker room is exactly what they needed. Not to mention that Spillane plays like an absolute mad man, which fans will love. Spillane is an impressive athlete with a nose for the football, and could be a decent playmaker in Foxborough.
What could be next for the Patriots as Free Agency rolls on?
The Patriots made some impressive signings on the defensive side of the ball, however, they still need quite a bit of help on offense. The biggest needs this off-season have been offensive tackle and wide receiver, and they have only added Morgan Moses. Moses is definitely an upgrade at the position, but he plays right tackle and is currently 34 years old. Not exactly ideal for a rebuilding team that needs young talent on offense to grow with quarterback Drake Maye. The Patriots desperately need a coverage dictating number one receiver and left tackle. They should attempt to address at least one of those needs before the Draft. The option that makes the most sense is trading for a star receiver and then addressing left tackle in the Draft. Whether that is making a call for Bengals receiver Tee Higgins, or getting more creative with a player we may not know is available, Vrabel and company need to address the biggest team needs before night one of the NFL Draft.
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