Patriots Rumors: Christian Barmore to Get Full 2024 Salary Despite Being on NFI List

The New England Patriots will pay the full 2024 salary of defensive tackle Christian Barmore as he opens the year on the non-football injury list, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport noted that NFL teams aren't required to pay players on the list, although New England will give Barmore his $1.8 million base salary regardless (per Spotrac).

The Patriots announced on July 28 that the 25-year-old was diagnosed with blood clots and did not have a timetable for his return.

Barmore's return timetable is unknown, although he was able to watch New England's joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles in person on Aug. 13. Patriots defensive lineman Davon Godchaux revealed that it was the first time he saw his teammate since the diagnosis.

"The most important thing is that he's in great spirits," Godchaux said, per Brendan McGair of the Associated Press. "That's my teammate, my brother."

Barmore was selected by New England with a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft. He recorded 12.5 sacks throughout his first three seasons and wrapped up a career year in 2023.

In 17 appearances last season, Barmore racked up 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss to go along with a forced fumble. He also excelled at disrupting throws at the line of scrimmage, totaling six passes defensed.

Barmore was rewarded with a four-year contract extension worth up to $92 million in April, which included $41.8 million guaranteed.

New England is coming off a dismal 4-13 season, but the team still finished with the fourth-best run defense in the league. With Barmore out indefinitely, the Patriots are expected to lean heavily on veteran Daniel Ekuale.

Even though the standout defensive tackle may not see the field in 2024 as he recovers, he'll still receive his full salary.