Trade, Big Money Additions Kick Off NFL Negotiation Period For Pats

This story was updated at 3:34 p.m.

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The NFL's free agency "negotiation period" has begun, meaning teams can legally negotiate with players they'll attempt to sign in free agency, which technically becomes legal on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

It's an odd period, prompting a probably oxymoronic tagline of "legal tampering."

Alas, there's news to break in Foxborough, as the team has kicked of the period by announcing signings and a trade.

Milton Williams

In the biggest landing of free agency to this point, the Patriots have signed Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams to a four-year contract worth $26 million per year, according to Ian Rapoport.

The contract would make Williams the third highest-paid interior defender in the league.

Harold Landry III

Pass rusher Harold Landry III will rejoin his former head coach Mike Vrabel after four years in Tennessee.

Landry was cut by the Titans, but the Patriots have agreed to a big money contract with him, a reported three years and $43.5 million with $26 million in guarantees.

It'll be a return to New England for Landry, who attended Boston College.

Landry's departure from Tennessee comes after a productive season for the Titans, when he posted a team leading nine sacks and 15 tackles for loss.

Davon Godchaux

As one pass rusher moves in, another moves out, as the Patriots have traded Davon Godchaux to the New Orleans Saints for a 2026 seventh round pick.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Godchaux, a Louisiana native who played his college ball at LSU, will return to the bayou after he departs from New England.

The Athletic's Chad Graff reports that the trade comes after Godchaux had concerns about his fit in the team's new defensive system, prompting him to ask for permission to seek a trade.

Carlton Davis

Cornerback Carlton Davis will join the defensive back room headlined by young star Christian Gonzalez in New England.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero is reporting that Davis and the Patriots have agreed to a three-year, $60 million deal. He spent last year in Detroit after beginning his career in Tampa Bay.

Robert Spillane

NFL insider Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Patriots and linebacker Robert Spillane are in agreement on a deal to bring him to New England.

ESPN is reporting the deal to be worth $37.5 million.

Austin Hooper

In a smaller move, the Patriots reached a one-year deal with tight end Austin Hooper for a reported $5 million that could reach a maximum of $7 million with incentives.