What Patriots’ Pitch To Top Free Agent Milton Williams Might Sound Like

The pitch needs to be on point.

Mike Vrabel’s Patriots enter NFL free agency with sizable needs and reportedly view Milton Williams as a top target on the open market. But the star defensive tackle won’t come cheap, and the lackluster class means New England will have competition.

The Patriots need to put the press on.

While finances play the biggest role in negotiations, selling New England as a fit goes beyond the contract terms.

If Williams signed with the Patriots, he wouldn’t have to compete for snaps like he did with the Philadelphia Eagles. But that’s not to say Williams wouldn’t have talent alongside him, especially with defensive tackle Christian Barmore, dynamic pass rusher Keion White and recently acquired Harold Landry III.

Playing for a defensive-minded head coach like Vrabel should be another positive for Williams. The two likely will align with their aggressive mindset. The role of first-year defensive coordinator Terrell Williams should be emphasized, as well. Williams, a longtime defensive line coach, has been praised by star defenders like Jeffrey Simmons.

You can listen to what the Patriots’ pitch to Williams might sound like, as it was scripted in a special episode of NESN’s “Foxboro Rush” podcast where three shark-like “general managers” competed for Williams.

(Spoiler alert: New England’s five-year, $110 million contract offer and pitch ultimately led Williams to sign with the Patriots.)

The Patriots can make their real pitch to Williams as soon as the legal tampering window opens Monday at noon ET.