6 players the Patriots should build their roster around for 2024 and beyond

6 players the Patriots should build their roster around for 2024 and beyond

Christian Barmore

As one of the more impressive rising stars of the entire team since being drafted in 2021, Christian Barmore will inevitably be a foundational piece for the Patriots' defense from here on out.

He had put together two good seasons before last year but completely broke out of his shell amidst a dominating year by the defense during the 2023 season. Barmore took advantage of the opportunity to shine in Matthew Judon's absence, recording a career-high 8.5 sacks, 64 combined tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 16 quarterback hits, six passes defended, and a fumble recovery.

According to most fans and analysts, his season-long performance earned him an extension, which should have happened this offseason. However, the Patriots missed their chance and will have to pay even more money to keep him when he becomes a free agent next year.

After what Barmore accomplished in his third season, the expectation is that he will build upon that this fall, and there's no reason to believe he won't. With Judon and Josh Uche back in the mix for another year and Keion White entering his second season, Barmore will have quite a cast around to push him to be his best and should see the fruits of his labor on the field.

It will likely add even more reason for the Patriots to keep him around beyond the 2024 season, and make him a focus of the defensive line for a long time.