The New England Patriots are back in the Super Bowl spotlight, thanks in large part to the headline duo of head coach Mike Vrabel and rising star quarterback Drake Maye. But if you’ve been watching closely, you know this run wasn’t just about offensive firepower or savvy coaching. It was the defense - and specifically the interior defensive line - that quietly powered the Patriots through the postseason.
And that defensive surge? It started the moment Milton Williams returned to the field.
After missing five games late in the regular season with an ankle injury, Williams came back in Week 18 and immediately made his presence felt. He didn’t just return - he dominated.
According to Pro Football Focus, Williams led the team in total quarterback pressures (23) and hurries (18) during the playoffs. That’s no small feat, especially when you consider how disruptive edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson was down the stretch.
What Williams brought to the table was more than just raw stats. His ability to collapse the pocket from the inside gave New England a different gear defensively.
Alongside Christian Barmore, Cory Durden, and Khyiris Tonga, the Patriots’ interior line created consistent pressure without needing to blitz - a luxury few defenses can afford. That group helped hold opponents to under 14 points per game during the postseason.
In a league where high-octane offenses often dominate the headlines, New England’s ability to win with defense was a throwback - and a statement.
But as the Patriots look toward the offseason, that same defensive line depth might force the front office into a tough decision.
Could Christian Barmore be the odd man out?
Barmore and Williams were the heart of New England’s interior pressure package. But while Williams was a game-wrecker in the playoffs, Barmore’s postseason tape told a different story.
He struggled to make a consistent impact, registering just eight pressures and one sack over 177 snaps in four playoff games. In the Super Bowl, he didn’t record a single pressure, hurry, or hit on Sam Darnold.
That’s not to say Barmore isn’t a talented player - he is. At 27, he’s entering the prime of his career and has already earned a second contract, signing a four-year extension with the team back in 2024.
But there’s a financial wrinkle that could complicate things. His deal includes a key out before $10 million in additional guarantees kick in on March 14.
That timing matters, especially for a team looking to retool around Maye and possibly extend emerging star cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
Then there’s the off-field issue. Barmore is scheduled for a March 9 arraignment related to an alleged domestic assault. That’s a serious situation, and one that could influence how the Patriots - and ownership - approach his future with the team.
Financially, the options are clear. If New England releases Barmore after June 1, they save $11.5 million in cap space while taking on $5.6 million in dead money. A trade would be even more favorable from a cap perspective, freeing up $13.5 million and leaving $3.6 million in dead money.
A trade scenario would allow the Patriots to recoup value for a good player with upside, rather than simply cutting ties. And with Williams under contract long-term, plus younger, cheaper options like Durden and Tonga showing promise, New England has the flexibility to explore those options without gutting the core of its defense.
The Patriots have made it clear they’re building something around Maye - and that starts with smart roster management. If Barmore’s inconsistency and contract situation don’t align with the team’s vision, don’t be surprised if he’s floated in trade talks.
The defensive line helped carry New England to the Super Bowl. Now it might be the position that sparks one of the offseason’s biggest moves.