As previously discussed on Gridiron Heroics, the New England Patriots traded their elite run-stopper Davon Godchaux to the New Orleans Saints. New England traded Godchaux because, in Mike Vrabel’s scheme, the interior defensive lineman must be able to rush the passer consistently, and he does not. The Patriots wasted no time improving their defensive tackle depth on the first day of legal tampering.
Also Read: New Orleans Saints: Acquire Elite Run-Stopper for 2025
New England Patriots set to make star DT 3rd-highest paid in NFL
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Patriots are set to sign Milton Williams to a monster contract. As Rapoport points out, the deal is for four years and is worth $104 million. His $26 million APY makes him the 3rd-highest paid interior defensive lineman based on APY per Over The Cap.
The newcomer had a breakout 2024 campaign
Milton Williams broke out in his fourth season and demonstrated his abilities as an elite pass rusher in this league. Williams recorded 24 tackles, seven TFLs, ten QB hits, five sacks, and one forced fumble in 17 regular season games and seven starts, along with seven tackles, two TFLs, two QB hits, two sacks, and one forced fumble in the postseason. He also posted 54 pressures, a 17.6% pass-rush win rate, and a 91.7 pass-rush grade in the regular and postseason combined, ranking 10th in pressures, 4th in pass-rush win rate, and 1st in overall pass-rush grade among qualified interior defensive linemen who have played a minimum of 20% snaps (h/t) PFF.
Also Read: “Obviously, a Raise”: Philadelphia Eagles’ Defensive Tackle Lists 1 Major Factor for Him to Stay
Here’s a look at the other IDL on the New England Patriots roster
- Christian Barmore
- Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
- Eric Johnson II
- Jaquelin Roy
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