NFL Analyst Shares Concerns About Patriots’ Milton Williams Addition

Patriots fans understandably were thrilled to see Milton Williams land in Foxboro, Mass., but not everyone loved New England’s biggest move of the offseason thus far.

ESPN’s Seth Walder only gave Mike Vrabel and company a “C” grade for their addition of Williams, one of the best players available in free agency this year. The Patriots certainly plan to pay the defensive tackle like a premier talent, as Williams reportedly will sign a four-year, $104 million deal ($63 million guaranteed) when eligible.

The cost seemingly was a bit steep for Walder, who outlined his issues with the pact.

“There are some causes for concern, though, when handing out $26 million per year,” Walder wrote. “The first is that he’s coming off his best-ever season. I don’t have a huge issue with this, as his pass rush win rate has improved every season and he’s at the point of his career where a breakout could occur. But he also hasn’t been a full-time player, playing only 47% of possible snaps this past season.

“He was also on a defensive line with Jalen Carter, Josh Sweat and Nolan Smith Jr., meaning there were plenty of clear pass-rushing opportunities and his high-quality teammates could have helped set up Williams for success. Williams had a 50% double-team rate while playing defensive tackle, which ranked fourth-lowest among qualifiers at the position.”

Fortunately for Williams, the Patriots and their fans, great coaching should help the 25-year-old live up to the deal. Mike Vrabel is an outstanding defensive mind and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams is renowned for his work with D-lineman. Not to mention, an improved New England defense should take some pressure off Williams.

Will Williams become the next Warren Sapp? Maybe not. But the stage is set for the 2021 third-round pick to be a highly productive player in New England.