Leonard Williams rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

2. New England Patriots

Bill Belichick and Tom Brady entered the 2020 season in different locker rooms. A strange sight, but a sight that was bound to occur sooner than later. While Brady enjoyed much more success than Belichick, do not be surprised if the New England Patriots somewhat bounce back in 2021.

Finding a quarterback will be Belichick’s primary task to be tackled this offseason. Cam Newton did not pan out, and the team’s defense was missing key starters due to COVID-19 opt-outs.

So, where does Williams come into play? Belichick will have around $68 million in cap space. Although he does not tend to spend large amounts on one player, Williams may be an exception.

Adding Williams would help that defense immensely. Not that the team’s defense was bad last year. In fact, this unit allowed the seventh-fewest points and 15th-fewest yards. What this defense did not do was manufacture enough pressure with the sixth-least (tied with DET) sacks in the league with 24.

Belichick always seems to find a way to get hurries, which he once again did in 2020. However, finding that individual game-wrecker on the line is something he may undeniably want.

Again, Belichick may not want to spend that dollar amount on Williams. This article is titled “best fits,” and the Patriots would certainly be a good fit for Williams. Last year, Chase Winovich led the club with 5.5 sacks. No other player had more than four.

Adding those starters who sat out last season back to the lineup with a player like Williams could re-solidify that unit as the league’s best again.