Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore is reportedly available for trade as the November 10 deadline gets closer, a bombshell report from Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated just dropped. This isn’t some fringe player, folks. We’re talking about a guy who signed a massive $84 million contract extension just last April, yet he’s now only playing 41.9 percent of the team’s defensive snaps, finding himself behind Milton Williams and Cory Durden in the rotation. What in the world is going on in New England?
The Head-Scratching Dip in Playing Time
Let’s rewind a bit. The Patriots drafted Barmore in the second round, 38th overall, back in the 2021 NFL draft. He’s played 71 games, starting 28, over five-plus seasons. His best year was just last season, 2023, where the former Alabama star absolutely balled out with 8.5 sacks, 64 tackles (39 solo), and 16 quarterback hits. That kind of production is exactly why the team handed him that four-year, $84 million extension from Over the Cap in April 2024. Talk about a quick turnaround from big money to trade rumors.
Now, things got complicated shortly after that deal. In July 2024, Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots, which severely limited him to just four games the following season. He returned strong in 2025, becoming a full-time starter for the first time in his career, logging 17 games (16 starts) with 29 tackles, 11 quarterback hits, and two sacks. He was on 65 percent of the defensive snaps that year, according to Pro Football Reference. Fast forward to this season, 2026, and his snap count has plummeted to that 41.9 percent mark. He’s started just one of six games. Even head coach Mike Vrabel was put on the spot about it in a recent press conference. You don’t sign a guy to $84 million to have him sitting on the bench like this.
Still Productive, Still On The Block
Here’s the kicker: Barmore is still making plays when he’s on the field. Through six games this season, he’s already racked up three sacks, showing he’s productive getting to the quarterback. Patriots analyst Carlos A. Lopez has even spoken highly about his pass-rushing skills. So, it’s not a matter of him suddenly being ineffective. It’s a utilization problem, and that’s exactly what makes this trade news so wild. You’ve got a talented defensive tackle, on a massive contract, who’s still getting to the QB, but the team is reportedly making him available. It feels like a total misfire on asset management.
So, will Barmore be wearing a different uniform after the November 10 trade deadline? New England is currently visiting Miami to play the Dolphins on Sunday, November 1. It’s a game where every snap for Barmore could be scrutinized, every play potentially his last with the team that gave him that monster deal. The clock is ticking, and the situation is as wild as it gets for a player with his recent contract and proven production.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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