The Pittsburgh Steelers were expected to be players in the free agent market along the defensive line, but options are already starting to come off the board. After being linked to the Carolina Panthers throughout the early poart of Monday afternoon, Ian Rapoport is reporting that former Philadelphia Eagles DT Milton Williams has agreed to a contract with the New England Patriots.
“Splash: The Patriots are taking the biggest defender off the market, as Eagles DT Milton Williams lands in New England, per me and Mike Garafolo,” Rapoport wrote on X. “Williams gets a $26M per year in a deal done by Rick Roberts of KlutchSports.”
Williams was arguably the best player on the field in both the NFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl, he helping propel the Eagles to a Lombardi Trophy. He logged seven tackles, two sacks, two QB hits, two tackles for loss, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble through four postseason games last year.
Various analysts had linked Williams to the Steelers throughout the offseason as an ideal fit, but he will ultimately land with the Patriots.
At that price point, which is much higher than I think many expected, I am glad the Steelers weren’t significant players for Williams. He is better suited for an even front where he can provide pass-rush juice and worry about defending just one gap. At 6030, 291 pounds, and with 31 1/2-inch arms, he doesn’t have ideal length for what the Steelers covet. He would have undoubtedly provided an upgrade as a pass rusher, but there are valid concerns about his ability to play in an odd front against the run.
Meanwhile, the Steelers just released Larry Ogunjobi. That was an expected move, but now it is quite clear that they will be signing a defensive lineman in the coming hours or days. Among the top FA DL remaining are Jonathan Allen, Grady Jarrett, Javon Hargrave, Levi Onwuzurike and others.
It is also one of the deepest and most talented DL groups in the 2025 NFL Draft that the league has seen in quite some time. Expect a high draft pick to ensure the future of the position, but the Steelers also need to address the short term with a free agent signing.
