Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams would love to return to Philadelphia – but it will take a pay bump for the franchise to retain him.
Williams, who started seven games last year and had a career-high five sacks, was a third-round pick in 2021 and took home a base salary of over $3million this past year as he played out his rookie contract.
But as he said on Thursday – a day before his team’s Super Bowl parade – he’s understandably looking to cash in on his recent success in free agency, and also looking to play ‘in the right situation.’
‘Obviously, I’d love to be back in Philadelphia,’ Williams told the Philadelphia Inquirer.
‘But right now, I’m just trying to enjoy this moment with my teammates. The rest of that is going to take care of itself. I’m pretty sure I’ll end up where I’m supposed to be. I’ll just put that in God’s hands.’
‘Just being in the right situation,’ Williams added of his what he’s looking for in free agency. ‘Valuing what I bring to the table. Obviously, a raise. But I want to win. I like this feeling of winning and being on top of the world. So definitely want to try to get in a situation as close to this as possible.’
Williams had a huge Super Bowl as he notched two sacks on Patrick Mahomes and also recovered a strip-sack on the quarterback.
Nonetheless, Williams only played 48 percent of the Eagles’ defensive snaps this season, and it remains to be seen how he would handle a potential full-time role on another team.
Williams is not the only Eagles contributor who has an uncertain future with the team.
Offensive lineman Mekhi Becton will be an unrestricted free agent after signing a one-year deal with the team.
And cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, who also played out a one-year pact with the Eagles, is entering free agency as well.
He told the Inquirer he wants to be part of the team’s future ‘real bad.’
On Friday, thousands of Eagles fans gathered at the team’s parade in Philadelphia to celebrate the team’s domination of the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.
Quarterback sensation Jalen Hurts could be seen puffing on a cigar as he and his teammates set off on the celebration, which will conclude with a ceremony on the famous Rocky steps outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Hurts was sensational in the Super Bowl as he totaled 293 yards and three touchdowns, winning the championship game’s MVP award.
