(AP Photo/Bryan Woolston, File) Credit: AP
The Patriots signed defensive tackle Christian Barmore to a four year, $90 million dollar extension this morning. $41.8 million of it is guaranteed.
The deal locks up Barmore for the next five years including the last season of his rookie deal. Barmore emerged as one of the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL last season after finishing with 64 total tackles and 8.5 sacks.
He is the center piece of a defense that is returning the majority of its starters next season and should be amongst the best in the NFL in 2024. Extending Barmore is yet another example of the commitment the team is making to retaining home grown talent.
Barmore was drafted 38th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He was projected as a top fifteen pick but dropped due to perceived attitude issues. Since his arrival in New England, Barmore has been the ideal teammate and has worked hard to make himself the best possible player. Barmore has improved each season he has been here and it has reflected in his play.
With Barmore locked up along with several other core defensive players, the Patriots are in pretty good shape on that side of the ball long term. The plan all along has been to sign the defensive starters and develop the offense through the draft. The Patriots have done both this off-season, especially this past weekend.
Barmore is a unique talent. He combines size with speed and power. He is a player who is just scratching the surface of how good he could be. His best years are ahead of him.
Making a massive financial commitment like this bodes well for the future. It show that the Patriots are committed to drafting, developing and paying their own talent. They are prioritizing winning long term. Coming to agreement with Barmore was important.
A cornerstone of the rebuild is in the fold for the long term. Getting this done was paramount. Now Eliot Wolf and the front office can continue to build the defense and the rest of the roster around Barmore, Drake Maye, Matthew Judon, Christian Gonzalez and the rest of the core that has been assembled.