Patriots' Barmore Contract: Overpaid or Future Star?

0:00On March 28th, the New England Patriots pulled off the biggest surprise in the NFL last year, making it to the Super Bowl before losing to the Seattle. Seahawks. That was huge after those rough post-Tom Brady seasons. They spent smart and free agency, but one big contract stands out as a problem. Defensive lineman Christian Barmore's 4 year 84 million. Dollar extension from 2024. Barmore earned that deal with 64 tackles and 8.5 sacks in 2023, but things fell off fast. In 2024, he only played four games with no starts. Then in 2025, he suited up for all 17 games and started 16, yet his stats didn't impress. Analysts are calling him the team's most overpaid player right now. His pro football focus grade was just 51.7, ranking 92 out of 134 qualified defensive lineman. Over the last two seasons, he managed only three sacks total, way below his peak.

1:01Trading him after June 1st, could free up about 13.5 million dollars in cap space. Cutting him then would cost over 15 million in debt money though. The Patriots lagged depths behind him so they might give him one more year before eyeing the 2026 draft. Whatever they decide, it will shape their defensive future as they build on that Super Bowl run. Keep an eye on New England. You've been listening to NFL News today, AI-powered football coverage.