Patriots Bring Back Veteran Defender As Christian Barmore Replacement

The New England Patriots received scary news last week when defensive tackle Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots. Fortunately, the worst was avoided and Barmore started to receive treatment. The team officially announced that the 25-year-old defensive lineman was now focusing on his health, with his availability a massive question going forward.

This is obviously a major blow for the Patriots and first-time head coach Jerod Mayo. New England had made Barmore the highest-paid franchise player not named Tom Brady this spring when they gave him a four-year, $92 million contract extension following his breakout season. PFF had ranked him the seventh-best defensive tackle in 2023.

With one of their best players out indefinitely, the Patriots turned to the free-agent market for his replacement. They announced the signing of veteran defender Mike Purcell on Thursday. This is a return to Foxborough for the eight-year veteran, who spent time with the Patriots back in 2017.

Patriots News: New England Signs Veteran DT Mike Purcell

Purcell has never suited up for the Patriots but has had a solid NFL career, most notably with the Denver Broncos. After failing to make the roster in New England in 2017, he became a key member of the Denver Broncos, appearing in 65 games and starting in 37 in the last five seasons.

Despite being 33 years old, Purcell only missed one game in the last two seasons in Denver. Last season, he started in 10 games for the Broncos and played over 44% of defensive snaps and recorded 25 tackles and five QB hits.

If Purcell sticks around, he could give the Patriots a depth option behind Davon Godchaux as a solid interior run defender.

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