*NOTE: Subsequent reports indicate Williams is in fact going to the New England Patriots.
NFL free agency continues to heat up while the Packers watch from the sidelines. Teams are re-signing, extending and trading for stars in a seemingly endless spree of moves. So far this offseason, Green Bay can boast a 2-year, $8M deal to bring back linebacker Isaiah McDuffie. They have also reached a deal with kicker Brandon McManus. That is the extent of their notable involvement.
Contenders and bottom feeders alike are fortifying the war chest for next season. The Carolina Panthers are one of the latest to act in the free agent market for defensive talent.
Packers Remain Observers in Free Agency
Per Yahoo Sports, Carolina* is signing Eagles defensive lineman Milton Williams, previously named a potential Packer. The top player available in the defensive interior, Williams recorded 5 sacks last season as a critical part of Philly’s Super Bowl front line.
The fourth-year player out of Louisiana Tech dominated against the Kansas City Chiefs in the title game, sacking Patrick Mahomes twice and menacing the Chiefs offensive line the whole game. He also forced and recovered a fumble.
25 years old, Williams should be a big help to a Panthers defense that was one of the NFL’s worst units in 2024. While they remain projected for another subpar season, adding a player of his caliber will at least make them less miserable to watch.
As for the Packers, they have plenty of other needs, and the D-line was not necessarily high on the priority list. Adding a veteran receiver or an edge rusher remains an important task for Green Bay’s front office. So far they have done nothing to address those areas.
Eagles Should Not Be Too Worried Despite Milton Williams Departure
For the Eagles, losing Williams may not hurt too much, as they boast a pair of monsters on the line in Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. This offseason they have already given lucrative deals to Saquon Barkely, in the form a 2-year, $42M extension, and linebacker Zach Baun, whom they re-signed for 3 years, $51M.
At the moment, Eagles edge rusher Josh Sweat remains available. With the market thinning quickly, the Packers should go get him before he’s gone.
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