EAGAN, Minn. – The Vikings added a new face to their cornerback room in Joejuan Williams.

Minnesota agreed to terms with the 25-year-old, pending the completion of a physical, Monday.

Williams spent the past four seasons with the Patriots, who drafted him 45th overall in 2019. In 36 regular-season games for New England, he recorded 41 tackles (31 solo), eight passes defensed and a quarterback hit.

Williams missed all of the 2022 campaign after landing on Injured Reserve in August 2022.

Williams is now one of six cornerbacks on the Vikings roster, joining Kalon Barnes, Andrew Booth, Jr., Akayleb Evans, Tay Gowan and recent free-agent addition Byron Murphy, Jr.

Here are five things to know about the Vikings new defender:

1. Former Commodore

Williams shined at Vanderbilt, where he played in 36 games over three seasons for the Commodores.

He totaled four interceptions, 119 tackles, 30 passes defensed and a forced fumble during his collegiate career.

In 2018, Williams earned All-SEC honors from The Associated Press and the league's head coaches.

2. High school standout

Williams attended Father Ryan High School in Nashville, Tennessee, for three years. As a junior in 2014, he racked up 48 tackles, two interceptions and 11 pass breakups en route to All-State and All-Conference honors.

He also participated in track and field.

Williams transferred to Hendersonville High School for his senior season, but he was ruled ineligible to play football after his hardship request was denied.

Despite not playing a fourth season, Williams received "dozens" of offers before ultimately committing to Vanderbilt.

3. Story of resilience

Williams overcame several obstacles on his journey to the NFL, including being removed from his mother's care at a young age, along with his older brother, while she served a jail sentence.

The Athletic's Nick Underhill wrote the following in 2019 of Williams, who "always maintained a perspective and maturity beyond his years":

Even though he was young, Williams understood his mother's circumstances and incidents with the law, even the ones before 2010, making it difficult for her to provide a stable environment.

[…]

So, instead of being mad about her changing jobs or having to move the family around — including at least once due to an eviction — Williams admired that [his mother Stephanie] Robertson still found ways to provide despite the odds stacking against her. Her spirit showed him how real strength presents.

[…]

Robertson, of course, worked to overcome those issues, regained custody of Joejuan and his brother Deontre and worked to build a better environment. Maybe that is why Williams refers to her as a hero.

4. Gives back

Williams has been involved in the community throughout his football career, including when he participated in teammate James White's "Strikes for Sweet Feet" that raised money for the Boston Medical Center.

5. Earned his degree

Williams majored in economics while attending Vanderbilt, balancing football with academics.

In 2020, he achieved his degree and was able to talk at Vanderbilt's graduation.