"The franchise is in a different spot now, though, and the new regime has shown its willingness to pay up to get the talent they want, with one example being stealing Milton Williams from the Panthers at the last second in 2025. The defensive tackle was about to sign a contract with Carolina until New England came in and offered him the kind of money he couldn't refuse, which allowed him to step away and come to Foxboro."
"During a recent appearance on Good Morning Football, Phillips revealed the Eagles wanted him to return for another season. But the Panthers made a much more lucrative offer he couldn't refuse, and he took it as a sign they believed in him more than his former team did."
The Patriots organization has shifted its approach to free agency under new leadership, demonstrating willingness to spend money to attract talent—a departure from Bill Belichick's historically conservative contract practices. This change is exemplified by their successful signing of defensive tackle Milton Williams from the Panthers in 2025 with an attractive financial package. However, the team also experienced a missed opportunity when linebacker Jaelan Phillips chose to sign with the Panthers instead, despite reported Patriots interest. Phillips revealed the Eagles wanted him to return but the Panthers offered significantly more money, which he interpreted as greater belief in his abilities. This suggests the Patriots could have potentially competed for Phillips had they matched the Panthers' financial offer.
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