Patriots Open to Trading Defensive Tackle Christian Barmore

On October 30, the New England Patriots were reported to be open to trading defensive tackle Christian Barmore before the NFL trade deadline on November 10. Barmore has played 41.9% of the team’s defensive snaps this season, behind Milton Williams and Cory Durden in the rotation.

The 27-year-old has recorded six tackles, three quarterback sacks and one forced fumble. He has also recorded 12 quarterback pressures, second among New England’s interior linemen behind Williams, who has 14. His playing time has fallen across several situations compared with last season, including a drop in his usage against the run from 62.8% to 36%.

Asked about his role, Barmore said he does what his coaches ask and that questions about his usage should go to them. After word emerged that he could be available, he posted a GIF of a smiling, laughing man without further comment.

New England drafted Barmore in the second round in 2021 and agreed to a four-year extension worth $84 million in April 2024. Blood clots limited him to four games that season. He is now the longest-tenured defensive player on the roster, but the Patriots have rotated several linemen and may have more depth at the position than at other spots.

Barmore’s cap number is $17.1 million. A trade could save the Patriots as much as $8 million this season and up to $41 million across the following two seasons, while another estimate puts his pay over the next two seasons at $48.2 million. New England is tight on cap space, and a deal for another player would likely require a player to come back in addition to draft picks.