How will $104 million dollar man Milton Williams deal with heightened expectations?

FOXBOROUGH – Milton Williams is well aware there’s something extra that comes with signing the richest contract in Patriots franchise history.

It can be summed up with one word: expectations.

The $104 million defensive tackle knows Patriots fans will have a special eye on him and his play because of that contract.

And he’s ready to accept the challenge.

Speaking with reporters following Sunday’s workout, Williams said the regular season is getting closer, and he was chomping at the bit to get going and hit somebody.

“It’s coming quick,” Williams said. “And I’m ready. I’m ready for it … guys know their time is coming. Somebody else is going to be coming in here. It’s our house, we gotta protect it.”

Williams acknowledged having something to prove, walking onto a team where he’s now expected to be an every-down player. That wasn’t the case in Philadelphia where he became a Super Bowl champion.

“My mindset is not too much different,” he said. “Of course I know the expectations that I have for myself, and people have for me, I just try to stay even-keeled on a lot of that stuff, and just staying consistent, and doing what they ask me to do … there’s more plays, more snaps, but more opportunity for production to help the team win. I’ve always been somebody out there that’s been out there trying to get production. With this opportunity, I’m definitely looking forward to it and taking advantage of every snap, trying to lead us to victory.”

Williams said it’s important for him to block out the outside noise when it comes to his contract.

“You’re going to see it. It’s going to be everywhere,” Williams said. “You just gotta make sure you’re focused on play in, play out, did I win my matchup, am I where I’m supposed to be, did I affect the play? If I didn’t, how can affect the next one? It’s just constantly building and building and getting better every day.”