Patriots Might’ve Learned What It’ll Cost To Sign ‘Top Target’ Free Agent

While the Patriots can’t legally communicate with Milton Williams until Monday, New England might’ve just learned what it’ll cost to sign the free agent.

The Dallas Cowboys agreed to terms with standout defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday. The Cowboys confirmed the signing shortly after. Dallas reportedly will give Odighizuwa a four-year, $80 million deal with $58 million guaranteed, including a $20 million signing bonus.

What does that have to do with the Patriots?

Williams likely will use it as a reference point during his own negotiations. There are plenty of similarities between the two defenders, after all.

Williams (73rd overall) was selected two picks ahead of Odighizuwa in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Cowboys defender is merely eight months older than Williams, who enters his age-27 season. Williams (6-foot-3, 290 pounds) and Odighizuwa (6-foot-2, 280 pounds) are right about the same size.

Most importantly, though, is their career production. And it’s quite similar. Williams recorded 11 1/2 sacks and 25 tackles for loss in 67 games (19 starts) for the Philadelphia Eagles. Odighizuwa, who played a larger role in Dallas, has 13 1/2 sacks and 28 tackles for loss in 67 games (63 starts).

Williams is coming off a 2024 campaign in which he earned Pro Football Focus’ best pass-rush grade among interior defenders. Odighizuwa ranked 12th on that list, though he doubled Williams’ quarterback hits (14-7) and had a slight edge in total pressures (60-54). Again, Odighizuwa didn’t have to compete for snaps in Dallas like Williams did in Philadelphia. Odighizuwa received a slightly better grade against the run, though both are stronger against the pass.

ESPN ranked Williams as its No. 1 defensive tackle and Odighizuwa as its No. 2 free agent at the position.

NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported the Patriots are viewed as a “top suitor” for Williams, while the Boston Herald listed Williams as a “top target” for New England.

Odighizuwa’s average annual value ($20 million) ranks 15th among defensive tackles. He did, however, receive the second-most guaranteed money at the position behind only Kansas City Chiefs superstar Chris Jones ($60 million), per Over The Cap. That number will matter to Williams.

Is that a payment the Patriots would be comfortable with? New England defensive tackle Christian Bamore is one of the 15 players with an AAV of $20 million or more. Might Barmore’s contract, which includes $41 million guaranteed, cause some hesitancy at One Patriot Place? Barmore’s future is uncertain, though.

If the Patriots truly want Williams, they can go into Monday’s legal tampering window knowing approximately what it will cost — or maybe a bit more.