The NFC East is gearing up for a competitive season as teams actively position themselves against the reigning Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off a Super Bowl championship. The Washington Commanders have made headlines by acquiring Deebo Samuel, who previously expressed frustration over the Eagles' victory against his former team, the San Francisco 49ers, in the NFC Championship Game. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have reinforced their defensive lineup by signing Osa Odighizuwa to a lucrative four-year deal, raising questions about Milton Williams' impending free agency with the Eagles.

As three defensive tackles from the 2021 draft class—Odighizuwa, Williams, and Alim McNeill of the Lions—are all hitting a pivotal moment in their careers, Williams may need to secure a deal in the range of $80 to $100 million to remain with the Eagles. The New England Patriots could play a significant role in this scenario as they look to rebuild their defense under new head coach Mike Vrabel and have targeted Williams as a foundational piece.