Healthy Patriots defender could make major difference in 2025

The New England Patriots have made some major additions this offseason, but a returning player could be among the most important to a potential 2025 turnaround.

Defensive tackle Christian Barmore was limited to four games last season due to blood clots, but has fully recovered and been a full participant during the team's offseason workout program, including on Monday at the start of mandatory minicamp. (h/t NFL.com)

Barmore is entering the first year of a four-year, $92 million extension he signed in April 2024 following a breakout 2023 when he had a career-high 8.5 sacks. 

New England has invested heavily in its interior defensive line, also signing former Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams to a four-year, $104 million contract during free agency in March.

The No. 38 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, Barmore's return could be key to a defensive turnaround. In 2024, the Patriots ranked No. 22 in total defense (342.9 yards allowed per game) and scoring defense (24.5 points per game), including No. 23 against the run (131.4 rushing yards allowed per game).

During Barmore's last full season in 2023, New England ranked fourth in rush defense (93.2 rushing yards allowed per game) and allowed a league-low 3.3 yards per carry.

Barmore will also positively impact the Patriots' pass rush. In 2024, the unit posted the league's fourth-lowest pressure rate (17.6 percent) and fewest sacks (28).

Per NFL.com's Nick Shook, Barmore has already made a positive impression on first-year Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.

"What I've seen is a player that is excited and that is coachable. Extremely coachable," Vrabel said, also noting his ability to play multiple positions along the line.

The Patriots offense, among the league's worst last season, should be improved under promising second-year quarterback Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

If the defense also makes positive strides, New England, which has won eight games since 2023, could be one of the year's biggest surprises.