While the New England Patriots prepare to address some big needs in the NFL Draft, which starts Thursday night, they have also been doing some work with some in-house players.
More specifically, contract work.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots have been working on a contract extension with 24-year-old defensive tackle Christian Barmore.
3 Patriots reporting nuggets on 3 topics:
Draft: At 34, team has explored what it could look like to jump into back half of 1st round.
Contracts: Active extension discussions with DT Christian Barmore. Motivated.
Offseason program: WR K.J. Osborn makes early impression.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) April 25, 2024
Barmore has been an ascending player ever since he got drafted out of Alabama in the second round back in 2021.
Despite being injured in 2022, the former All-SEC performer and national champion has increased his sack numbers and amount of games started each year.
He has recorded 46 QB pressures and 32 QB hits too.
Along with Matthew Judon, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Davon Godchaux, Barmore was a really steady piece for former coach Bill Belichick on the interior.
Now, he will look to be a steady piece for new head coach Jerod Mayo.
With the Patriots looking to lock up defensive players in-house, perhaps they will be looking to go with a lot of offense in terms of their draft picks.
Clearly, they will need to get a quarterback first before they can do anything else.
Most likely, that could either be North Carolina’s Drake Maye or if they get lucky, LSU Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels.
Then, they will also need to address the offensive line and receiver.
Time will tell to see how they go about adding to their rebuilding roster.
But, the hopeful extension for Barmore will keep some familiarity in the building and along the defensive front.
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