Milton Williams believes ‘it’s going to get nasty’ playing alongside new Patriots teammates

MILTON WILLIAMS BELIEVES ‘IT’S GOING TO GET NASTY’ PLAYING ALONGSIDE NEW PATRIOTS TEAMMATES

As the New England Patriots gear up for a transformative 2025 NFL season under new leadership and an invigorated roster, defensive lineman Milton Williams is setting the tone with one word: nasty.

After signing with the Patriots in free agency following three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Williams wasted no time buying into the team’s new defensive identity. Speaking to reporters after a spring practice session at Gillette Stadium, the 25-year-old lineman made his intentions clear.

“i think it’s going to get nasty this year,” williams said, grinning. “we’ve got dogs in this room now. tough guys, smart guys, guys who want to dominate. that’s the kind of energy i live for.”

Williams joins a retooled Patriots defense headlined by veterans like Matthew Judon and emerging talents like Christian Barmore and rookie edge rusher Xavier Thomas. The combination of veteran grit and youthful explosiveness has Williams excited — and confident that this group can establish itself as one of the league’s most feared units.

“i played with some real physical guys in philly, and that helped me grow. but here? this group’s got that edge,” he continued. “we’re not just trying to stop offenses — we’re trying to send a message every down.”

Head coach Jerod Mayo, entering his first full season at the helm after the departure of Bill Belichick, has emphasized aggressiveness and cohesion. Williams’ style fits perfectly into Mayo’s vision for a Patriots defense that’s long prided itself on versatility and discipline — but now aims to bring a more violent, swarming approach to the trenches.

Defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington echoed that sentiment.

“milton brings a lot — power, technique, and that chip on his shoulder,” covington said. “he’s vocal, but he backs it up with how he plays. when you’ve got multiple guys like that in a room, the culture shifts.”

Williams, a third-round pick in the 2021 draft out of Louisiana Tech, showed flashes of brilliance during his time with the Eagles. He recorded 81 total tackles and 6.5 sacks over three seasons, often serving as a rotational disruptor along a deep defensive line. In New England, he’s expected to take on a more prominent role, both as a leader and a tone-setter on the field.

And he’s embracing that responsibility.

“they brought me here for a reason,” williams said. “i’m not trying to be someone else. i’m here to be me — and that means getting after it, every play, no matter who’s in front of us.”

With OTAs underway and training camp on the horizon, the Patriots’ defense is already drawing buzz as a potential strength in what could be a turning-point season for the franchise. And if Milton Williams has his way, opponents will feel every bit of it — in the dirt, in the pile, and in the scoreboard.

“you’re gonna see it week one,” he said. “this group? yeah, we’re gonna make it nasty.”