Milton Williams didn’t need long in New England to prove the Patriots made the right bet.
After signing what ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler called a four-year, $104 million deal in March 2025, Williams went from being viewed as a rotational piece with Philadelphia to landing among the NFL’s top defensive tackles. In ESPN’s latest survey of league executives, coaches and scouts, Williams checked in at No. 9 on the list.
That’s a strong statement for a player who was asked to do plenty in his first season with the Patriots. Williams started 12 games in 2025 and finished with 29 total stops, 3.5 sacks and 8 quarterback hits. He also posted eight tackles for loss and was limited by a high ankle sprain, but his impact still showed up in the numbers and on the field.
Fowler’s write-up made the case plainly. Williams ranked third among interior linemen in pressure rate at 9.6%, and he also led all qualified Patriots defensive linemen in pass rush win rate and run stop win rate last season.
“Williams' four-year, $104 million free agency deal was eye-opening in March 2025, given he was a rotational lineman with Philadelphia. He validated that investment last season, ranking third among interior linemen in pressure rate (9.6%). He also compiled eight tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in a 12-game campaign that was limited by a high ankle sprain.
Williams also led all qualified Patriots defensive linemen in pass rush win rate and run stop win rate last season.
'New England has an anchor up front, and the defense wasn't the same without him,' an NFL personnel evaluator said. 'Explosive, strong and great effort player. And you can move him all around the defensive front and he can be effective.'”
The Patriots knew they had to strengthen the defensive line after the 2024 season, and Williams was the headliner of that effort. They also added Khyiris Tonga, who turned into a useful find before leaving in free agency, a loss that hurt the unit’s depth.
Now the focus shifts to 2026, where the Patriots need Williams and Christian Barmore to stay healthy. If they do, New England has a front that can cause real problems. If they don’t, the drop-off could be steep.
Williams has already taken on the lead role up front, and with the edge situation still shaky, the pressure on the interior becomes even more important. It won’t replace a loaded edge group, but with Williams and Barmore in place, the Patriots have one of the league’s better defensive tackle duos to build around.
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