As the clock winds down to the start of this year's NFL draft, the New England Patriots are not only focused on adding new, young players to their roster, but they're also just as interested in keeping their homegrown talent around for years to come.
According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, the Patriots are actively engaged in contract discussions with defensive lineman Christian Barmore.
The Patriots traded up to select Barmore, 24, in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft out of Alabama where he was First-team All-SEC and a national champion in his final season.
Since arriving in New England, Barmore has played in 44 games, recording 133 tackles (18 for a loss), 32 quarterback hits, 12.5 sacks, nine passes defensed and a forced fumble.
With Lawrence Guy leaving this offseason, Barmore should see an increase in snaps and responsibilities in 2024, and the Patriots are trying to pay him before he makes another leap.
