Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Pats DT Christian Barmore (blood clots) expected at voluntary program

New England Patriots starting defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who was limited to just four games last season because of an issue with blood clots, is expected to join the team next week for its voluntary offseason program.

That’s according to first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, who talked with reporters Monday at the NFL’s annual meeting in Palm Beach, Fla.

Vrabel said he saw Barmore, 25, recently and could tell by the lineman’s “energy and presence” that he was feeling better but that medical staff would continue to monitor him.

“It’s something very serious. We take the health of our players extremely serious, especially when you’re talking about something like blood clots,” Vrabel said, adding the team would develop a plan for him.

Barmore, taken by the Patriots in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, missed the first 10 games last season. He played in four games, then missed the rest of the season due to a recurrence of the blood clots.

In 48 career games (11 starts), Barmore has 13.5 sacks, 139 tackles, 33 QB hits and one forced fumble. He signed four-year, $83 million contract extension with the franchise on April 29, 2024.

–Field Level Media

Jan 1, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) reacts after a sack against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots sign DT Christian Barmore to $92M extension

The New England Patriots reached agreement with defensive tackle Christian Barmore on a four-year extension with a maximum value of $92 million.

Agent Nicole Lynn confirmed the figures Monday with ESPN, which also reported that the deal includes $41.8 million guaranteed for the 2021 second-round pick.

Barmore, 24, was entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2024 and was scheduled to earn a base salary of $1.82 million. The extension runs through the 2028 season.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said at the NFL league meetings in March that contract talks were active and likely to lead to a new deal following Barmore’s breakout season in 2023.

“Three years ago, Christian and I sat in the greenroom at the NFL Draft on night 1 and his names was not called,” Lynn posted Monday on X. “He would eventually slide to round 2, and that became one of the hardest nights of my career. Fast forward and now he is one of the highest paid DTs. God is always faithful!”

The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Barmore paced the Patriots with a career-high 8.5 sacks in 17 games (six starts) last season, also setting career highs in tackles (64), quarterback hits (16) and pass breakups (six).

Barmore has recorded 12.5 sacks, 32 QB hits and 133 tackles in 44 career games (11 starts).

–Field Level Media

Dec 6, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Christian Barmore (90) reacts to a defensive play against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

DT Christian Barmore, LB Dont’a Hightower active for Patriots

Defensive tackle Christian Barmore and linebacker Dont’a Hightower were active for the New England Patriots on Saturday night in their AFC wild-card game against the host Buffalo Bills.

Both players are dealing with knee injuries and were listed as questionable for the contest. Barmore was injured in the regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins while Hightower missed that contest with his ailment.

Barmore, a rookie, had 46 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 17 regular-season games. Hightower recorded 64 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 15 contests.

Two healthy defenders, linebacker Chase Winovich and defensive tackle Carl Davis, are among the inactivates. Left tackle Isaiah Wynn (ankle, hip) was previously ruled out.

Running back Matt Brieda and defensive end Efe Obada are among Buffalo’s inactives.

–Field Level Media