The Patriots will take a "by-committee" approach to replacing Christian Barmore.
Barmore, who was diagnosed with blood clots in July, will be sidelined indefinitely -- if not for the entire season. The Patriots, who recognized the impact he can bring by inking him to a four-year contract extension this offseason, will miss him dearly and are expected to make some changes to their rotations in replacing the 25-year-old's production.
Daniel Ekuale's presence might go a long way in doing that.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo was asked about the interior defenders who will be relied upon in 2024, with Davon Godchaux and Jeremiah Pharms Jr. being brought up as options. Mayo made sure that "Dan" got his credit, too.
"You can throw Dan in there as well. He's one of these guys who's a penetrator," Mayo said, per team-provided transcript. "We know exactly what he is, and he's a good player for us. We also have guys on the perimeter, on the outside, that can slide inside on third down. Those are all things that we've thought through."
Ekuale has been a contributor since arriving to New England, serving in a late-down role throughout the majority of his three seasons. The Patriots looked like they were going to expand his responsibilities in 2023, though a biceps injury ended his season after just three games.
Ekuale might just finally take that leap in 2024, though.
