Christian Barmore finished an incredible 2023 season by signing an $84 million contract extension with the New England Patriots during the offseason. Everything seemed to be going well for the defensive tackle, but then things took a sudden turn.
During training camp the following year, Barmore found out he had blood clots, which kept him off the field until mid-November. He returned to play four games but had to stop again for the season when his symptoms came back.
“That experience was really tough, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone,” Barmore said. “It made it hard for me to breathe. Now, I can breathe again, and my lungs are working properly.”
Feeling like himself again, Barmore has participated fully in all spring practices.
“I’m feeling great! I’m ready to go,” Barmore said. “I have a lot of confidence because I can breathe and talk easily now. I’m just enjoying myself, joking around with my teammates, and playing hard.”
New England’s defense struggled last season without their $84 million pass rusher, finishing last in the league for total sacks.
The return of Barmore will significantly strengthen the defensive line, as the 25-year-old aims to show he can still perform at the level he did in 2023, when he achieved a career-high of 8.5 sacks along with 49 pressures.
“I have a lot of passion inside me because I feel like people forget who I am after that situation,” Barmore stated. “I’m bringing a lot of competitive energy with me. Every day I’m on this field, I want to prove that I’m still myself and always will be.”
The new defensive scheme, which encourages the line to attack and push forward, should support his efforts.
“I really love it,” he said with a smile about the scheme. “It excites me every time! There’s just great energy here every day.”
Barmore won’t be the only player enhancing New England’s defensive line. During the spring, he frequently lined up alongside Milton Williams in the middle after the former Eagle signed a $104 million deal in free agency following an impressive season.
Alongside this duo, which could turn into one of the most disruptive pairs in football, are Keion White and newcomer Harold Landry.
“Those guys are powerful,” Barmore stated. “You know how dominant Keion [White] is, and Milton [Williams] is also strong. For me, it’s about how we’re going to come together and take control of the game. Our goal is to dominate as a D-line because games are won in the trenches; that’s what we aim for every time we hit the field.”
“I believe our front seven must be a strength for us this year,” Mike Vrabel added. “We’ve put a lot into that position, and I like how they compete and work hard.”
