The New England Patriots signed arguably the best defensive tackle (DT) of 2025 free agency, Milton Williams, and the team hasn't looked back since. It was arguably Mike Vrabel's best offseason move among a whole host of others. Williams earned his big contract.
Now, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler cites an ESPN survey of "league executives, coaches and scouts" who ranked the NFL's Top 10 defensive tackles, and the Patriots' star is on that list.
Williams turned in a top-2025 season and rode with Drake Maye and his teammates all the way to the Super Bowl, only for their Cinderella-like bubble to burst.
The now 27-year-old Williams played and started in 12 regular-season games in 2025 and racked up 29 total stops, 3.5 sacks, and 8 quarterback hits. When he didn't play, his presence was sorely missed. If he has an injury-free 2026, the sky is the limit for Williams' 2026 production.
Milton Williams is a top 10 NFL defensive tackle on anyone's list
The Patriots needed to add to their defensive line after the 2024 season, and they did so superbly. Not only did they add Williams, but they also signed under-the-radar Khyiris Tonga, who proved to be a find. Ill-advisedly, they allowed Tonga to leave in free agency, seriously hurting the unit's depth.
The team has to hope starters Williams and Christian Barmore can stay healthy in 2026. If not, there will be serious issues on the D-line.
ESPN's Fowler had to say about Milton Williams, the 9th-best NFL defensive tackle in their latest survey.
"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.'"
Milton Williams has assumed the lead role on the Patriots' defensive line, and a lot is expected from him in 2026. With the current edge situation a mess, interior pressure on opposing quarterbacks will be even more essential. However, it can never fully substitute for having top starting edge rushers and depth at the position.
Regardless, the Patriots have Williams and Barmore, one of the NFL's best DT tandems, and fans will be looking for them to lead the way up front in 2026.
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