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Eagles Lose Key Defender to NFC Rival in Latest Offseason Prediction

The Philadelphia Eagles will hopefully try to re-sign Milton Williams, who will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.

By Jovan Alford

Sep 22, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio looks on during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Sep 22, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio looks on during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense has surprisingly been one of the best units in the NFL this season, which is a far cry from where they were this time last year. The Eagles swapped out defensive coordinators, bringing in Vic Fangio, who has transformed the defense.

Nolan Smith Jr., Jalen Carter, and Milton Williams have become better players under Fangio and appear to be building blocks on the defensive line. This is the perfect time for Williams to have that breakout year as he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.

The Eagles would love to keep the former third-round pick as he and Carter can be a dynamic duo in the middle of the defensive line for years to come. However, based on Williams’ age (25), upside, and production, the former Louisiana Tech standout could be in line for a huge payday in free agency.

Bleacher Report believes the Minnesota Vikings could be a threat to steal Williams from the Eagles in the offseason.

"Minnesota's interior pass rush could use a boost, and that will only intensify when Jerry Tillery, Jonathan Bullard and Jihad Ward hit the open market this offseason.

Williams could help solve that problem since he's having an impressive campaign as a pass-rusher with a career-high five sacks heading into this weekend. Also, Pro Football Focus credited the 25-year-old with 33 total pressures (tied for 22nd among interior defenders) and an elite 90.3 grade as a rusher (second)."

According to Spotrac.com, the Vikings are projected to have $77 million in cap space in the offseason, making them a big-time player in free agency. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ estimated cap space is around $36 million, which isn’t bad either.

However, after handing out a huge three-year contract to veteran pass rusher Bryce Huff this past offseason, one wonders if GM Howie Roseman would do it again. While Huff hasn’t done much to start his Eagles’ career, the 25-year-old Williams has developed into one of the more underrated defensive linemen in the NFL.

This season, Williams has produced 11 QB pressures, eight quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss, and five sacks. He’s getting after the quarterback and applying pressure, which is what Fangio wants.

Depending on how this season ends for the Eagles, the offseason will give us a clearer picture of what they will do in free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft.

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