Feb. 2, 2026, 9:26 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
There was a moment, back in March of 2025, when everyone thought defensive lineman Milton Williams was headed to the Carolina Panthers<\/a>. That, of course, did not happen\u2014as the New England Patriots<\/a>, following early reports<\/a> of Williams supposedly coming to a deal with the Panthers, swooped in and snatched<\/a> the prized free agent away.<\/p>\n But how close was he to signing off to Carolina?<\/p>\n Williams, now an AFC champion, chatted with media during Super Bowl Opening Night on Monday. Here’s what he had to say about his massive decision from last spring . . .<\/p>\n Although the Panthers came in hot and heavy, the Patriots wowed Williams<\/a> with a four-year, $104 million contract. He went on to have a solid campaign in the first year of that pact\u2014tallying 3.5 sacks, 53 pressures and 20 stops while helping push New England to their first Super Bowl appearance since the 2018 season.<\/p>\n Williams, a member of the 2024 Philadelphia Eagles<\/a>, will hope to hoist the Lombardi Trophy for the second straight year\u2014with his Patriots set to lock up with the Seattle Seahawks<\/a> in Super Bowl LX on Sunday.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n