What Mike Vrabel Told Milton Williams After Signing With Patriots
Milton Williams figures to be a difference-maker for the Patriots in the trenches, but New England wants more from the star defensive tackle than great play on the field.
The Patriots went above and beyond in NFL free agency to land Williams, who now owns the richest contract in franchise history by average annual value. From a playing style standpoint, the 25-year-old fits the mold of the defense Mike Vrabel is trying to build in Foxboro, Mass. But Vrabel sees Williams’ impact going beyond being a force in the middle.
“It’s going to be cool. Coach Vrabel was just preaching to me how they are going to use me in their defense,” Williams said on NFL Network, as transcribed by Sports Illustrated. “Also, how he wants a guy at every level of the defense for free agency. He wants us to come in and try to change the culture around with what’s been going on in New England the last couple of years. I definitely think he picked the right guys for that.”
Even though Williams only is four seasons into his NFL career, the 2021 third-round pick knows what it takes to win at the highest level. After all, Williams was one of the Eagles’ best players across Philadelphia’s playoff run that culminated with a Super Bowl LIX title.
Williams now will preach those value lessons learned in New England, where the organization was in dire need of winning players.