Trade candidate? What Patriots said about Christian Barmore's reduced role

Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore questioned the lack of early-down snaps this week, pausing at the idea that reduced run-game workload could keep him fresher as a pass rusher. Head coach Mike Vrabel said the team’s focus is to “find ways to have him affect the quarterback,” making it Barmore’s primary role. The change is stark compared with last season: his run snap rate fell from 62.8% (2025) to 36% (2026), while pass snap rate rose from 67.4% to 56%. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported Barmore “could be had” before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. He earns $12 million this season, and trading him next week would save $7.5 million in cap space. Barmore has three sacks and ranks sixth on the team with 79.9 PFF pass-rush grade.