It appeared as if Milton Williams was headed to the Carolina Panthers, but the New England Patriots eventually scooped him up via a reported four-year, $104 million contract. The Super Bowl champion is therefore now joining a Patriots defensive line that just earlier on Monday parted ways with defensive tackle Davon Godchaux.

Let’s grade it.

Instant grade: Patriots sign Milton Williams to 4-year, $104 million deal

Bernd Buchmasser: The Patriots are banking on Williams being able to duplicate his pass rush success along a New England defensive line lacking the same quality he had around him in Philadelphia. Time will tell how that works out, but on paper this is a very good signing for the team: he is the exact type of defender, new defensive coordinator Terrell Williams wants to have up front. | Grade: A

Brian Hines: The Patriots swoop in with a big-time offer to land one of the top free agents on the market. Williams, 26, was one of the best interior pass rushers in the league last year and will be a strong fit for how New England wants to play up front. He also marks the second player added with Super Bowl winning experience. | Grade: A

Matt St. Jean: Williams is the kind of player who can turn a weakness into a strength overnight. He broke out as a pass rusher last year, and he should be the difference maker at the center of New England’s defensive line. | Grade: A+

Pat Lane: The Patriots most likely overpaid for Williams, but that’s the way it goes in free agency. He’s a dominant interior pass rusher, and fits exactly what the Patriots want to do on defense. With a bad team and a ton of cap space, this was a move that had to be made. | Grade: A+

With Williams in the fold, the Patriots now have seven interior defensive linemen signed for 2025. He is joining Christian Barmore, Keion White, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Jaquelin Roy, Eric Johnson and Marcus Harris.

What do you think about the signing, though? Do you like it? Do you not? Please head to the comment section to discuss.