The New England Patriots entered 2026 free agency with three top defensive tackles. They were 2025 free agent prize Milton Williams, veteran Christian Barmore, and the underrated Khyiris Tonga. The Patriots let Tonga get away this offseason, which thinned out the depth at the position considerably. But if Barmore can rekindle his 2023 form, and he and Williams can stay healthy, they'll form an elite duo for head coach Mike Vrabel.
Williams had a superb season despite missing five regular-season games with an injury. Regardless, he still managed to rack up 3.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits in his 12 games.
Chad Graff of The Athletic recently admitted he misjudged the impact that the former Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl champion would have on the Patriots' defense out of the gate.
"I thought it was a risk a year ago to give a guy who had never played more than 50 percent of his team’s snaps in a season so much money. I was dead wrong. Williams has been everything you’d want and looks primed for another strong year."
Milton Williams has already silenced doubts about his Patriots contract
Vrabel moved quickly in 2025 free agency to bolster his defensive line, doling out a mammoth four-year, $104 million contract to lure Williams away from other suitors. That proved to be money well spent as Williams made his presence felt all season long and in the playoffs.
Vrabel took a dilapidated 2024 roster and in one offseason brought the team from last-place in the AFC East to the top of that division and to the Super Bowl. This required impact free-agent signings like Williams, linebacker Robert Spillane, and cornerback Carlton Davis III on the defensive side of the ball and Diggs and Mack Hollins on offense.
The Patriots were also boosted by one of their best draft hauls in years, landing starting left tackle Will Campbell, explosive running back TreVeyon Henderson, and unheralded safety Craig Woodson. All contributed heavily to the Cinderella-like Patriots run.
In 2026, Vrabel and defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr will be counting on Williams and Barmore to again lead the way from the interior of the defensive line. Since depth is thin, both players will be counted to produce and stay on the field.
Williams is the clear leader of that group. If he plays all 17 games this season, he should fall in line with Graff's latest projection and have a huge year.
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