Barmore missed nearly all of last season due to blood clots he was diagnosed with during the summer. He returned for a brief four-game stint but was shut down for the year due to recurring symptoms from the issue. Barmore signed a four-year, $83 million contract last season and is under contract with the Patriots through the 2028 season. He totaled a career best 64 tackles and 8.5 sacks during the 2023 campaign, and is hoping to return to form now that his health issues appear to be behind him.

“He popped in the other day to see the doctors. When he walked into the training room, just his energy and presence, so I know that he’s feeling better,” Vrabel told reporters at the NFL owner’s meetings. Barmore played in four games last year before suffering a recurrence of his blood clot symptoms. If healthy, he would certainly complete a fearsome defensive front for the Patriots on paper with Milton Williams, Harold Landry, and Keion White. There’s still plenty of uncertainty around if he can shake the symptoms, unfortunately.

Barmore reportedly is dealing with recurring symptoms from the blood clots that forced him to miss most of this season. Mayo added: “I feel for Barmore. He did everything right.” It sure sounds as if the Patriots should go into this offseason not relying on Barmore for 2025. Barmore signed an extension in April that ties him to the roster that won’t allow the Patriots to save any money on a release through next season, so they’ll likely give him more runway for a comeback next season. Hopefully he’s able to shake the symptoms and return to the field at some point.

Barmore opened the year on the NFI list after being treated for blood clots in the offseason. In a statement released by the Patriots, the team said Barmore “experienced some recurring symptoms that required further evaluation,” which led to the decision to return him to the NFI list. Barmore, 25, appeared in four games for the Patriots this season, totaling six tackles and one sack. He signed a four-year, $92 million contract extension in April and will hopefully be back in time for the start of next season.