He is the enforcer that makes the New England Patriots go on defense, but the program missed him a lot last season because of a health issue.
Christian Barmore, a second-round pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, played in just four games in 2024– totaling six tackles and a sack — because of blood clots. The former University of Alabama standout exploded in 2023 with a career-high 8.5 sacks to go with six pass breakups, a forced fumble, and 64 total tackles in 17 games. His dominance forced New England to open its checkbook for him on April 29, 2024, as he earned a four-year extension worth $92 million.
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According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, Barmore told Patriots media on Thursday that he has been ‘cleared’ for all football activities. He will be a full participant when voluntary organized activities start and anticipates being ready for New England’s season opener on Sept. 7 versus the Las Vegas Raiders. Barmore says things are ‘looking really well’ for him heading into this season.
News story: Patriots DT Christian Barmore says he's been cleared for football activity and plans to be ready for season opener Sept. 7 vs. Raiders. Also building early bond with DT Milton Williams.https://t.co/UGWJDtdP1m
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) May 15, 2025
In his final season at Alabama, Barmore assisted the Tide’s defense to a Southeastern Conference Championship and a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2020.
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He recorded 37 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks (team-high), three pass breakups, six quarterback hurries, and three forced fumbles that year. Barmore earned first-team All-SEC for his performance in 2020. New England is excited to have him back full go for the fall.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and writer for The Bama Standard. You can follow him on X via @CoachingMSmith.
