Pats Pulpit
The high-prized free agency signing is already emerging as a tone-setter early in training camp.
The New England Patriots did not just give Milton Williams a four-year, $104 million contract to disrupt opposing offenses from his spot along the defensive line. Sure, that was a major selling point and reason why he was brought in, but it was not the only goal the organization had in mind for its high-priced free agency investment.
The Patriots also wanted Williams to take over an active leadership role and together with fellow defensive tackle Christian Barmore set the tone for the entire unit. With one day of training camp in the books, it is clear that the 26-year-old has shouldered the responsibility.
“It’s 100 just getting the opportunity to play for this organization, them believing in me and trusting me to come out here and lead these guys with Christian,” Williams explained after the first practice of camp on Wednesday.
“It’s on us to make sure the defense goes. Like I told him when we’ve been talking to each other: it’s going to go as we go. Every day that we come out here, we set the tone and everybody else is going to follow.”
A third-round draft pick out of Louisiana Tech in 2021, Williams entered the NFL the same year and day as second-round selection Barmore. While the latter ended up on a Patriots team headed for a major rebuild and some challenging seasons, the former became a key member on one of the best rosters in football.
In four years with the Philadelphia Eagles, Williams never had a losing season and saw action in nine playoff games including a pair of Super Bowls. He won a championship in February, when he had a dominant day against an outclassed Kansas City Chiefs offense.
Now, he is trying to bring the Eagles’ winning ways to Foxborough on as well as off the field.
“Early on, that was something that was important to know, that he wanted to lead. There has been zero pushback,” said head coach Mike Vrabel.
“He’s fun to coach. He’s very mature, and there is zero reservation about his leadership ability. He’s here a lot — he’s here all the time. He shows up early, gets plenty of work in, he takes care of his body. He’s a true pro.”
