The start of the 2025 NFL New Year begins this coming Monday, March 10th. Meaning this is the start of the negotiation period for unrestricted free agents. In years past, the news of free agent signings start to break right off the bat. The Packers are expected to be significant players in the free agent market. The top target for the Green Bay Packers in free agency needs to be DT Milton Williams.
Milton Williams is a defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles. Per PFF, Williams was the 2nd highest graded pass rushing DT in the NFL. Milton Williams registered 6 sacks and 40 pressures in 2024. Williams was a major component of the Eagles front that made life awfully difficult for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offensive line in the Super Bowl. He managed to sack Mahomes twice in that game.
Milton Williams was a constant menace in the middle of the Philadelphia defense. According to Next Gen Stats, he had the second highest pressure rate amongst all defensive tackles in the NFL. Williams did benefit from playing next to Jalen Carter so placing him next to Kenny Clark or Devonte Wyatt should yield similar results for Green Bay. Creating pressure up the middle is the best way to make a QB uncomfortable.
Milton Williams Fits As A Green Bay Packer
All in all, the Packers defense improved in 2024. Under first year Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley, the Packers ranked 5th in total defense. Despite an overall improvement, the holes in this defense were quite noticeable. Green Bay really struggled to get after the QB and deliver consistent pressure. The lack of a pass rush really showed against teams with strong offensive lines like the Lions and the Vikings.
Originally, Hafley wanted to create pressure with a four man rush. However, Hafley blitzed more than he anticipated in 2024. If a team can create significant pressure by rushing four, they will be able to cover well with seven defenders. The Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl game plan is the perfect example of this concept. By adding Milton Williams to the mix, Green Bay will feel strongly about their ability to get after the QB with Williams, Clark/Wyatt, Gary, and a second edge rusher.
Milton Williams is an average defender against the run so even if Green Bay elects to play him primarily on pass rush downs, he is still worth the cost. The Packers need to be able to get off the field at a much higher rate on third and long next season. LaFleur loves to control the time of possession so by improving the pass rush and making life difficult for teams on third down, the Packers can really dictate games.
