Philadelphia, PA – March 23, 2025, 09:00 PM PDT
Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman has shed light on his decision to let defensive tackle Milton Williams walk in free agency, revealing that backup DT Moro Ojomo offers comparable talent at a fraction of the cost. The revelation, shared during a recent interview with ESPN, underscores Roseman’s strategic approach to roster management as the Eagles aim to defend their Super Bowl LIX title.

Williams, a key contributor to the Eagles’ championship run, recorded 5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and 7 tackles for loss in the 2024 season, adding 2 sacks in the Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. His pass rush win rate (PRWR) stood at 17.6% across 418 pass rush snaps, showcasing his effectiveness as a starter. However, Williams signed a four-year deal with the New England Patriots on March 13, reportedly worth $8-10 million per year, a price Roseman deemed too steep for the Eagles’ cap situation (web ID: 23).

In contrast, Moro Ojomo, a 2023 seventh-round pick (pick 249), posted a slightly better PRWR of 18.2% over 342 pass rush snaps in 2024, demonstrating his potential as a rotational DT. At just 23 years old, Ojomo is in the third year of a four-year, $3.9 million rookie contract, with a cap hit of only $1 million in 2025—significantly less than Williams’ market value. “Moro has shown he can match Milton’s production in pass rush situations,” Roseman told ESPN. “At a fraction of the cost, it’s a no-brainer to invest in his development while freeing up cap space for other needs.”

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Roseman’s decision aligns with his strategy of balancing value and youth in a “reset year” following the Eagles’ Super Bowl triumph. With $18.125 million in cap space, the savings from Williams’ departure allow the Eagles to pursue high-profile UFAs like safety Justin Simmons or cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., addressing critical needs in the secondary (web ID: 12). However, the move isn’t without risk—Williams’ departure leaves a gap in the starting lineup, and Ojomo, despite his promising PRWR, has yet to prove he can handle a starter’s workload.

Eagles fans on X are split on the decision. “Howie’s a genius—Ojomo at $1M is a steal compared to Williams at $10M!” one fan posted (@EaglesPride). Another expressed concern, writing, “Ojomo’s unproven—losing Williams could hurt our D-line depth” (@PhillyFanatic). As Roseman continues to reshape the roster, his faith in Ojomo’s potential could prove to be another masterstroke—or a gamble that tests the Eagles’ defensive front in their quest for back-to-back titles.