The New England Patriots are back in the AFC Championship Game following a 28-16 win against the Houston Texans in a snowy affair. New England's defense came ready to play, forcing five turnovers, with four interceptions against Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. With back-to-back strong games, interim defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr could be making a case for the role permanently.
One player who has played well for the Patriots in the playoffs has been defensive tackleCory Durden. Durden filled in for Khyris Tonga against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card Round and recorded two tackles and two pressures. Tonga returned against the Texans, but Durden still made an impact for the defense, finishing with three pressures and the second-best Pro Football Focus pass rush grade (79.0) on the team.
Although he didn't single-handedly win the game for the Pats, it's clear that Durden's impact in the victory can't be ignored. He's gone from being an afterthought to someone who can legitimately start in the playoffs.
And, given his recent play, Durden may have given the Patriots plenty to think about this offseason.
Cory Durden's Playoff Performance Will Alter Patriots' Offseason Plans
After this season, Durden will only have one season left under contract. With New England already paying big money to Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, the Patriots may want to conserve cash at that position.
Next season, Durden is set to make a little over a million dollars in salary. Considering his recent breakout and cheap contract for the 2026 season, it's unlikely that the Patriots will be big spenders at defensive tackle in free agency, meaning they can use that money elsewhere — either to shore up different positions or sign other veterans to extensions.
Something to follow will be if the Patriots look to bring back Tonga, who is a pending unrestricted free agent. Should New England not bring him back, it could be a sign that they see value in Durden and want him to see an expanded role on defense.
And if that's the case, the Patriots may be open to signing Durden to a multi-year extension. The 26-year-old veteran has spent time with four teams since 2023, and now that he looks at home in New England, locking him down could be a priority.
Durden will get his next chance to impress when the Patriots look to punch their tickets to the Super Bowl in the AFC conference championship, in which the Patriots will go on the road against the Denver Broncos.
Denver will be without starting quarterback Bo Nix, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the divisional round against the Buffalo Bills. Backup QB Jarrett Stidham will get the nod under center instead, opening the door for Durden to have another performance to remember that could potentially seal his future in New England.