Roughly one hour into the NFL’s negotiating window on Monday, the New England Patriots looked set to lose out on one of their top free agent targets.
Defensive lineman Milton Williams appeared to be on his way to join the Carolina Panthers, until the Patriots circled back and upped their offer. As a result, Williams inked a four-year, $104 million deal with New England that made him the highest-paid player in franchise history based off the contract’s average annual value of $26 million.
DL Milton Williams: Contract details
2025:
Base salary: $6,000,000
Signing bonus: $6,000,000
Roster bonus: $1,700,000
Workout bonus: $300,000
Salary cap hit: $14,000,000
2026:
Base salary: $21,000,000
Signing bonus: $6,000,000
Roster bonus: $1,700,000
Workout bonus: $300,000
Salary cap hit: $29,000,000
2027:
Base salary: $21,000,000
Signing bonus: $6,000,000
Roster bonus: $2,550,000
Workout bonus: $450,000
Salary cap hit: $30,000,000
2028:
Base salary: $22,000,000
Signing bonus: $6,000,000
Roster bonus: $2,550,000
Workout bonus: $450,000
Salary cap hit: $31,000,000
Included in the deal is a $24 million signing bonus and $51 million fully guaranteed at signing.