Patriots DT Christian Barmore Looks in Great Shape, Hopes to Leave Injury Concerns Behind

Patriots DT Christian Barmore Looks in Great Shape, Hopes to Leave Injury Concerns Behind originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The New England Patriots were the biggest spenders in free agency, handing out $374 million in total cash to incoming free agents while looking to improve upon their 4-13 record in 2024. With No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye at the helm, the future is looking up for the Patriots.

A lot of their offseason investment went to improving the defense. Big-money contracts were given to Milton Williams, Carlton Davis, Robert Spillane, and Harold Landry, and all four players will look to make a considerable impact in their first season with the Patriots. Despite their signings, one of the biggest force multipliers for the defense in 2025 could be a returning star.

The Patriots drafted Christian Barmore in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and the Alabama defensive tackle has comfortably grown into a player on the verge of a breakout. He tallied a career-high 8.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits in 2023, but his 2024 season was cut short due to an issue with blood clots. Barmore played in just four games for the Patriots after starting the season on the reserve/non-football injury list, and was subsequently put back on late in the season.

According to Chad Graff of The Athletic, Barmore looks in great shape during the Patriots’ training camp and will be hoping to put his injury concerns behind him.

“The 25-year-old defensive tackle has slimmed down and looks noticeably more trim.” Graff writes, “He said he’s done more cardio and core workouts with the goal of dropping his playing weight by around 20 pounds.”

Prior to his blood clot diagnosis, Barmore was a player on the up, heading into a career-defining season in 2024. Managing Barmore’s reps and minutes will be key in his return, but the early signs are promising, and Barmore himself clearly feels good.

“‘I feel better,' Barmore said,” Graff adds. “‘I feel so fast, I feel lighter and way quicker. And I feel like I move way better. This is definitely the best I’ve felt since I’ve been in the league.’”

If he can stay healthy, Barmore could be a part of one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL, on a team whose arrow is directly pointed upwards. This feels like a big redemption season for Barmore.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.