Milton Williams’ four-year, $104 million contract with the Patriots paid him as one of the top defensive tackle’s in football.

While the deal was a surprise to some at the time, Williams’ play quickly justified the investment.

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That was reflected in the latest ESPN survey of coaches, executives and scouts, as Williams was voted the ninth-best defensive tackle in football by more than 70 league evaluators.

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.”

The Patriots invested heavily in Williams after the defensive tackle’s dominant final season in Philadelphia. After posting a career-high 5.0 sacks during the regular season, Williams played a key role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl run, recording 14 pressures in four playoff games and adding two sacks in the Super Bowl.

Despite that success, Williams was unranked in last year’s defensive tackle survey. The 27-year-old built on his breakout campaign in New England, recording a career-high 59 pressures and 3.0 sacks in the postseason to earn league-wide recognition. His highest placement on an individual ballot was fifth overall.

Williams joined Christian Gonzalez to date as the only Patriots players to crack the top 10 at their respective positions, with Gonzalez being voted the third-best cornerback in football.