By the end of the 2023 season, it was clear that Christian Barmore had become one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. Now, he’s getting paid like it.
The New England Patriots on Monday reportedly agreed to a huge contract extension with Barmore. The deal, which was in the works for weeks, makes Barmore one of the highest-paid interior defenders in the NFL.
Christian Barmore’s Contract Details
Barmore received a four-year, $92 million extension, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald was the first to report news of Barmore and the Patriots agreeing to terms.
The deal, which runs through 2028, includes $41.8 million guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Consider this: Barmore now owns the largest contract in Patriots history for a player not named Tom Brady.
Report: Patriots to sign Christian Barmore to four-year extension: https://t.co/TihQwGo3C0 pic.twitter.com/6LIp6VVTs1
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 29, 2024
In total value, Barmore’s contract would rank eighth among interior defensive linemen if it went into effect immediately. Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones tops the list with $158.75 million.
The guaranteed money would rank 13th, with the average salary tied for eighth. No matter how you slice it, Barmore is getting paid — and he deserves it.
Why Barmore Deserves Huge Extension
It was easy to overlook Barmore’s excellent third season, as the Patriots overall weren’t worth watching. But make no mistake: He was dominant.
A second-round pick in 2021, Barmore impressed as a rookie, especially late in the season. His numbers weren’t crazy (just 1.5 sacks), and he didn’t play much against the run, but Barmore’s explosive talent was evident.
In 2022, injuries limited Barmore to just 10 games. He also faced a significant uptick in opposing double-teams. However, Barmore caught fire over the final month, raising hope for a Year 3 breakout. And break out, he did.
Barmore finished with career highs in sacks (8.5), tackles (64), tackles for loss (13), QB hits (16), and forced fumbles (one). His playing time also increased from 49% of defensive snaps in 2022 to 66% in 2023. Notably, he saw much more action against the run.
Barmore led the Patriots in sacks, QB hits, QB hurries, total pressures, and batted balls, and ranked second in pass-rush win rate, per Pro Football Focus. His 49 pressures were 17th-most among all NFL interior defenders, per PFF.
Barmore will enter next season as Pro Football Network’s 10th-ranked defensive tackle. Don’t be surprised if he’s even higher a year from now.
Barmore, who’ll turn 25 in July, hasn’t even entered his prime. The best could be yet to come for the Alabama product, who’ll be in a Patriots uniform for the foreseeable future.
What Is Patriots’ Defensive Tackle Depth Chart?
With Lawrence Guy now a free agent, the Patriots are in a new era at defensive tackle. Barmore is the unit’s best, most well-rounded player, and likely will see the most snaps.
The newest addition is veteran Armon Watts, who signed with the Patriots in free agency and likely will fill Guy’s place on the depth chart. An underrated signing, Watts was PFF’s 18th-ranked interior D-lineman last season (Barmore was eighth).
Here’s the full group:
- Christian Barmore
- Armon Watts
- Davon Godchaux
- Daniel Ekuale
- Trysten Hill
- Jeremiah Pharms
- Sam Roberts
It’s an interesting group. The Patriots have a star in Barmore, a tough, run-stuffing leader in Godchaux, an effective sub-rusher in Ekuale, and an intriguing young talent in Roberts.
New England’s D-line was excellent at defending the run and rushing the quarterback in 2023. There’s no reason it can’t be even better in both categories next season.
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Still, the Patriots’ defensive line will go as Barmore goes. If he takes another step forward in 2024, this could be one of the best defensive lines in football.