The Denver Broncos may need to find a replacement for defensive tackle, a run-stopper who played his lowest snap percentage since 2018 and is set to become a free agent. If He departs, Philadelphia Eagles DT could be a potential target for Denver.
In an exercise conducted by ESPN, beat writers acted as general managers for their teams. Broncos reporter Jeff Legwold projected that Denver might offer Him a three-year, $73 million contract with $40 million guaranteed.
“With two sacks and a forced fumble in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory, The Star Player — who turns 26 in April — made a strong case for free agency,” Legwold wrote on March 5. “As one of the top interior disruptors available, he would fit well in Vance Joseph’s aggressive defensive scheme. This contract would also allow him to re-enter free agency before turning 30.”
Williams, who recorded a career-high 5.0 sacks during the regular season and added 3.0 more in the playoffs en route to a championship, was drafted by the Eagles in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He also played the highest snap share of his career this past season.
In ESPN’s mock free agency exercise, the Minnesota Vikings ultimately won the bidding war for Williams, offering a four-year, $96 million deal with $75 million 
Milton Williams’ Free Agency Outlook
Williams is a different type of player than Jones, who is known for his ability to occupy space. Instead, Williams could serve as a replacement for John Franklin-Myers, a trade candidate seeking an extension after a strong season.
Spotrac projects Williams to land a three-year contract worth $53.3 million in free agency, ranking ninth among defensive ends and 117th overall. Meanwhile, Over The Cap estimates that the Broncos will have $40.8 million in cap space. The Athletic ranked Williams as the top defensive tackle and the No. 4 overall free agent.
“Williams has never reached five sacks or 10 quarterback hits in a season, but he could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of a thin free-agency class,” analysts David DeChant, Jourdan Rodrigue, and Vic Tafur wrote in February. “He excels at rushing the passer, showcasing an uncommon mix of power and agility for a 290-pounder. While he must improve his sack numbers, his 14.2% pressure rate ranked third among interior linemen (minimum 100 pass-rush snaps). He’s disruptive but needs to show more consistency against the run. One challenge in evaluating him is that he has never played more than 50% of defensive snaps in a season due to Philadelphia’s deep rotation.”
Comparisons to Former Broncos DL Malik Jackson
Williams has drawn comparisons to former Broncos defensive lineman Malik Jackson, who also hit free agency following a Super Bowl-winning season.
“Jackson was a lesser-known but highly productive defensive tackle on a loaded defense who capitalized on his Super Bowl success,” DeChant, Rodrigue, and Tafur wrote. “He signed a six-year, $85.5 million deal with the Jaguars, which would be equivalent to $25 million annually in 2025 cap terms. Williams could command a similar figure, with a floor around $20 million per year.”
However, Jackson’s post-Super Bowl career serves as a cautionary tale. While he made a Pro Bowl with Jacksonville in 2017, his production declined, and he never recorded more than 3.5 sacks in a season after that.
Williams’ market will be shaped by demand, but with his ability to rush the passer and disrupt plays, he is poised to land a lucrative contract in free agency.