The [New England Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots)' Super Bowl run was unfortunately marred by late-season controversy, as former Patriots player Stefon Diggs and starting defensive tackle Christian Barmore became embroiled in legal battles.
Diggs’ case is still ongoing, with his next court appearance scheduled for April 1. Barmore’s chargers, however, were dropped last week, nearly nine months after the alleged assault on the mother of his child took place.
Many thought this incident, along with contract nuances, could play into the 2021 second-round draft pick’s time wth the Patriots coming to an end.
Going into year two of a four-year contract extension signed under ex-head coach Jerod Mayo, Barmore is set to make $64.3 million over the course of the next three seasons.
Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and head coach Mike Vrabel had until 4 p.m. ET on Friday to decide whether they wanted to save more than $30 million by cutting Barmore.
After the 4 p.m. deadline, $12 million of Barmore’s $17.1 million 2026 cap hit became fully guaranteed, solidifying Barmore’s place on the 2026 roster, barring a trade.
The 26-year-old defensive tackle did not miss a week during last season’s 21-game gauntlet, just one year removed from his frightening year-long battle with blood clots that caused him to miss much of the 2024 season.