Milton Williams impresses during New England Patriots OTAs following $104 million signing

Milton Williams was not slowing down in demonstrating why the New England Patriots made him a high priority during the 2025 NFL Free Agency. The former Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman is already impressing during OTAs, mere weeks after inking a behemoth four-year, $104 million contract with the Patriots.

Milton Williams and Christian Barmore could be New England Patriots' most feared duo

Milton Williams, who was a crucial member of the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX championship, was one of New England's prominent pieces in its go-for-broke $200 million offseason spending spree. And by all accounts so far, the 26-year-old is already paying dividends on that investment. Throughout organized team practice this week, New England Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams impressed coaches and media with his passion and quickness off the line.

Boston Sports Journal's Mike Giardi commented that Milton Williams was 'a pain in the hindquarters all afternoon,' adding how much trouble he caused the offensive line throughout drills. Milton Williams was the league's most effective pass-rusher last season. His 90.4 pass-rush grade, according to Pro Football Focus, was second among all qualifying defensive linemen. His overall PFF grade of 70.1 ranked him 31st among 219 players.

And as for Christian Barmore, the Patriots are anticipating a full recovery. The 2024 season was interrupted by a severe medical condition that involved blood clots, which saw him play only four games. But with medical clearance now issued, he is likely to be fully available when the season begins. Barmore had nothing but good things to say about his new teammate. “He makes me work hard, man. He’s a hell of a worker, hell of a guy, hell of a player,” Barmore said of Williams.

“Really excited [to] definitely see him.”

Mike Vrabel thinks Milton Williams is the ideal defensive fit

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, in his inaugural season as head coach, reiterated that Williams was not recruited solely for his statistics. It's his overall package—effort, speed, and leadership—that won over the team. “There’s a high ceiling and great vision about the person, the effort, the skillset, the speed in which he plays, and there’s power,” Vrabel said.

“So certainly an aggressiveness and being able to add him to our defensive line is something that was really exciting.”Williams reiterated that in a news conference on May 13, emphasizing the tone Williams and Barmore intend to establish from the beginning: “The defense is gonna start and end with what we do up front. And every day we come in, we’re gonna set the tone and then everybody’s gonna follow.”Also read: This ‘nasty’ Patriots pair is ready to ruin offenses: Milton Williams and Keion White’s big plans revealedWilliams almost went to the Carolina Panthers last offseason, but the Patriots won him over with a better offer. Now, he's more than just another pickup—he's a key to what might be a rejuvenated defense under Vrabel.