Patriots 2025 Roster Reset: Change Coming to Underperforming D-Line?
Overview of 2024 Performance
The New England Patriots’ defensive line, once a projected strength, became a notable liability in the 2024 season. The team’s struggles were stark, ranking 23rd in rushing yards allowed (4.4 per carry), 26th in third-down conversion rate (43.26 percent), 28th in goal-to-go situations (83.8 percent), and 26th in red zone touchdown prevention (63.2 percent). Perhaps most concerning, the Patriots were dead last in sacks per pass attempt (5.25 percent). These statistics underscore the critical need for significant improvements in the 2025 season.
Bright Spots
Despite the overall underperformance, there were a few bright spots. Daniel Ekuale, in his sixth NFL season, emerged as a reliable presence. Ekuale recorded 52 tackles, more than he had in his first five seasons combined, and played 68 percent of the defensive snaps. He stepped up admirably after the loss of Christian Barmore, proving that depth players can rise to the occasion.
Davon Godchaux, who has been with the Patriots since 2021 and played in every game, offers the team consistency. Although his production didn’t meet expectations, Godchaux’s availability is a valuable asset. He has been given permission to seek a trade, a move that could clear salary cap space for the team.
Second-year defensive end Keion White showed promise early in the season. His speed and power combination made him a force, with nine of his 16 quarterback hits coming in the first four games. However, White’s effectiveness waned as the season progressed, and he openly expressed his discontent with the team’s direction. Despite this, his potential remains high, and a coaching change could rejuvenate his performance.
Disappointments
The biggest disappointment was the extended absence of Christian Barmore due to blood clots. Barmore missed the first 11 games, returned for four, and was shut down again when the clots resurfaced. His availability in 2025 is a significant concern, especially given his four-year, $84 million contract extension signed in April 2023, which includes $41.8 million in guaranteed money. The team’s inability to keep him on the field is a major setback.
Keion White’s disillusionment with the team’s direction is another cause for concern. His comments suggest a lack of faith in the current leadership, which could impact his performance if he remains with the team. Additionally, Davon Godchaux’s underwhelming production relative to his high salary cap hit further compounds the team’s defensive line issues.
Contract Statuses
Barmore and Godchaux are among the highest-paid players on the team in terms of guaranteed salary and cap money, making their production or lack thereof even more critical. White has two years left on his rookie deal, with salaries of $1.5 million and $1.8 million. Deatrich Wise and Ekuale are free agents, while Jeremiah Pharms, a depth defensive tackle, has two years left on the deal he signed last month.
Offseason Priority
The defensive line is a top priority for the Patriots in the offseason, ranking a 5 on a scale of 1 to 5. The team needs to address both the interior and the edge. In free agency, options like Eagles DT Milton Williams and Levi Onwuzurike, who played for defensive coordinator Terrell Williams in Detroit, could be strong candidates for the interior line. Javon Hargrave, a seasoned pass-rush beast, is another potential target, despite his age.
On the edge, where the Patriots desperately need improvement, prospects like Malcolm Koonce from Las Vegas, who is recovering from an injury, could be a game-changer. Other notable options include Josh Sweat, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Chase Young, Dayo Odeyingbo, Patrick Jones, Dante Fowler, and Matthew Judon, who could return to the team.
2025 Draft and Future Outlook
The Patriots hold the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, providing an excellent opportunity to address their defensive line needs. If Penn State’s Abdul Carter is still available, he could be a strong fit. Other first-round prospects like Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr., Marshall’s Mike Green, and Mykel Williams from Georgia are also worth considering.
The Patriots’ defensive line overhaul is crucial for the team’s success in 2025. With a combination of strategic free agency moves and a strong draft, the Patriots can rebuild a unit that was once their strength and return to their defensive dominance.
