The New England Patriots have officially reached an agreement with defensive tackle Milton Williams on a deal as of Monday, according to reliable league sources. This move comes as part of the Patriots' strategy to strengthen their defensive lineup and bolster their pass rush capabilities.
Originally selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, Williams has primarily functioned as a rotational player on a defensive line that boasts considerable depth. Despite this limited role, he has showcased his potential, particularly during the last season where he recorded notable career highs.
In the previous season, Williams not only achieved five sacks but also tallied ten quarterback hits, establishing himself as a formidable presence on the field. His impressive performance earned him recognition as he ranked sixth among all defensive tackles in ESPN’s pass rush win rate, highlighting his effectiveness in pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
Milton Williams stood out in this year's free agency, securing the top spot in The Athletic’s recent ranking of the top 150 free agents. His trajectory has made him a highly sought-after player, particularly following his stellar performance in the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. In that high-stakes matchup, he played just 25 defensive snaps but made a significant impact, achieving his second career multi-sack game, notching two tackles for loss, and executing a crucial strip-sack and fumble recovery against star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
While Milton Williams has never participated in more than half of his team’s defensive snaps during any given season, he has consistently maximized his opportunities on the field. Remarkably, he was among just ten players last season to achieve at least five sacks while playing fewer than half of his team’s defensive snaps. Furthermore, he distinguished himself as one of only eight players with double-digit tackles for loss, showcasing his efficiency as a pass rusher.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available regarding Williams' impact on the Patriots and the upcoming NFL season.
For fans eager to keep up with the latest developments, be sure to check our comprehensive NFL free agency 2025 tracker, where you can find updates on where players like Sam Darnold and Aaron Rodgers land, along with insights into the top 150 players in this year’s free agency.
