Examining Milton Williams Impact on the Patriots

The Patriots made one of the league’s biggest splashes by signing Milton Williams to a 4 year, $104 million deal on Monday. What does this move do for the Patriots?

After a standout performance with the Philadelphia Eagles in January, capped off with a Super Bowl victory—Williams is now headed to Foxborough. But what exactly will he bring to the Patriots and head coach Mike Vrabel‘s defense?

Milton Williams’ rise came during the postseason, where he became a game-changer for the Eagles. With Jalen Carter repeatedly eating up double teams, Williams garnered one-on-one matchups and took advantage. As the second-highest-graded pass-rushing defensive tackle in the NFL last season, Williams proved to be a constant disruptor on the field. His ability to win with technique—particularly hand fighting—stood out in his matchups against elite opponents like Chris Lindstrom and Creed Humphrey. His explosive first step and fluid movement for a player of his size made him a legitimate threat on passing downs.

Williams was a critical piece in the Eagles’ defensive line, and his ability to create pressure was apparent even when he didn’t record a sack. He forced opposing quarterbacks to rush their decisions, leading to errant throws and disruptions in the pocket. Against Green Bay and Washington, for example, Williams flushed Jordan Love and Jayden Daniels from the pocket constantly, forcing them to get rid of it or take sacks on big downs. This kind of playmaking ability is exactly what the Patriots are hoping to replicate in their system, especially with the potential addition of Abdul Carter.

As mentioned, Williams greatest moments came in the playoffs. That is where he seems to have earned a large chunk of the cash he received from Robert Kraft. With 14 pressures across four games, Williams’ impact was felt most during high-leverage situations. One notable play came in the Super Bowl against Patrick Mahomes, where Williams generated a strip-sack, forcing the Chiefs’ quarterback to fumble, a pivotal moment in the Eagles’ victory.

While his sack numbers may not jump off the page, Williams’ ability to disrupt, create pressure, and free up other pass rushers will make him an invaluable asset for the Patriots. Alongside players like Christian Barmore and potentially Carter, Williams could help form a formidable defensive front in New England, significantly improving their pass rush and bringing the Patriots’ defensive philosophy of old back to Gillette Stadium.

Though the Patriots may have had to overpay to bring Williams in, his talent and potential to make an immediate impact make it a worthwhile investment. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Williams adapts to his new role in New England and whether he can replicate the high level of play that earned him his big payday. If he can, this defense could return to form sooner rather than later. Now, it is time to get weapons for Drake Maye.