Patriots’ Defensive Lineman Milton Williams Embraces Physicality of Mike Vrabel’s System originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
One of the New England Patriots’ largest free agent signings this offseason was the addition of Milton Williams. The defensive lineman came over from the Philadelphia Eagles on a four-year, $104 million contract.
Advertisement
The Patriots will pair Williams with Christian Barmore on the defensive line to form what may be one of the best duos in the AFC.
Williams was drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Eagles. In his four years in Philadelphia, Williams accumulated 132 tackles, 25 TFLs, 29 quarterback hits, and 11.5 sacks.
While productive in his tenure with the Eagles, Williams broke out with a career-high five sacks in 2024. In his final game with the Eagles, Williams sacked Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes twice in the Eagles’ domination of Super Bowl LIX.
The Patriots signed Williams with the expectation that 2025 will be another breakout season for the powerful lineman. Williams is ready to meet those expectations and display the physicality Mike Vrabel’s defenses are known for.
New England Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams discusses his recent free agent addition to the Patriots with the media at Gillette Stadium.Eric Canha-Imagn Images
“I’m ready to use some of this physicality. When training camp comes around, I’ll be ready for sure,” Williams said.
Advertisement
Williams is ready to embrace his head coach being the hardest on the team’s best players, which lies on him, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
With OTAs and minicamp completed, players have over a month before training camp begins. Williams will be training in Texas to sharpen his skills.
“Go back to Texas and do my training. Make sure I come back into training camp in tip-top shape and ready to go,” Williams said. “We’ve got to rush and then stop. (This spring) we’ve got to let the quarterback throw the ball. I’ll come around and be ready for sure.”
The 6-foot-3, 290-pound lineman is ready to be the force up front for the Patriots defense, one that could be a top unit in the NFL if they perform to their desired level.
Advertisement
Related: Patriots’ Former Third Round Pick Could Win Left Guard Job
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.