Star New England Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore will be out indefinitely after experiencing blood clots.
The Patriots said in a statement that Barmore was diagnosed “over the weekend.” Barmore recently signed a four-year extension with the team worth up to $84 million. He also turned 25 on Sunday.
“Over the weekend, Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots,” the team said. “He was appropriately treated by the doctors at Mass General Brigham, who tested, evaluated and treated Christian.”
“Our principal concern at this time is Christian’s health and wellbeing. Fortunately, Mass General Brigham provides some of the best healthcare in the world.”
“While there is no current timetable for his return, we know Christian is getting tremendous care and we look forward to his full recovery.”
Barmore’s agent, Nicole Lynn, underscored the severity of his medical situation in a social media post just after the Patriots’ announcement that thanked Patriots athletic trainer Jim Whalen.
I would be remiss if I did not thank the Patriots’ trainer, Jim Whalen, for his absolute diligence and care over the last couple of days. Today could have looked a lot different without Jim’s persistent and expertise. https://t.co/Al6r2PDdpr
— Nicole Lynn (@AgentNicoleLynn) July 28, 2024
Barmore had a breakout third season in 2023 after the Patriots selected him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The former Alabama player appeared in all 17 games and had 65 tackles with 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. The extension he signed with the team included over $40 million in guaranteed money.
The Patriots view him as a centerpiece of a defense that was a bright spot in an otherwise miserable 2023 season. New England allowed just 4.7 yards a play and 21.5 points a game last season but finished 4-13 because of an offense that scored fewer than 14 points per game.
New England took former North Carolina QB Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft this spring as it begins an overhaul of the offense under new head coach and longtime Bill Belichick assistant Jerod Mayo.