New England sent picks 46, 122 and 139 to Cincinnati to move…
New England sent picks 46, 122 and 139 to Cincinnati to move up to No. 38 for Christian Barmore. Barmore has 15.5 sacks through five seasons, including an 8.5-sack breakout in 2023, and returned to start 16 games in 2025 after a serious medical issue limited 2024. Cincinnati's Jackson Carman, Tyler Shelvin and D'Ante Smith never produced comparable long-term value. The Patriots turned a three-for-one move into the only clear impact player.
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- pick 2021 2nd round pick (46th overall, Jackson Carman), 2021 4th round pick (122nd overall, Tyler Shelvin ) and 2021 4th round pick (139th overall, D'Ante Smith)
New England Patriots Received
- pick 2021 2nd round pick (38th overall, Christian Barmore)
Trade Analysis
New England traded up early in the second round of the 2021 draft, sending Cincinnati picks 46, 122 and 139 for No. 38. The Patriots selected Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore. Cincinnati used its three selections on offensive lineman Jackson Carman, defensive tackle Tyler Shelvin and offensive lineman D'Ante Smith, choosing additional volume rather than one higher-rated prospect.
Barmore became the only player in the deal to produce sustained impact. He contributed immediately as a rookie and broke out in 2023 with 64 tackles, 8.5 sacks, six passes defensed and a forced fumble. A serious blood-clot diagnosis limited him to four games in 2024, creating uncertainty far beyond ordinary football injuries. He returned in 2025 and played all 17 regular-season games, starting 16 and adding 29 tackles and two sacks. Through five seasons he has 168 tackles and 15.5 sacks.
Cincinnati's three-player return never reached the same level. Carman appeared in several roles and made postseason starts early in his career, but he did not secure a permanent position and was waived before the 2024 season. Shelvin was waived during his second season and later spent time on practice squads. Smith also remained a reserve and dealt with injuries rather than becoming a long-term starter.
The Bengals' process was understandable: moving down eight spots for two additional fourth-round selections can create strong expected value. The actual selections simply did not capitalize on that volume. New England used the premium pick on a defensive lineman who earned a major second contract and returned from a serious health setback to start throughout 2025.
The existing C+/C grading is far too mild. New England deserves an A- because Barmore became a core defender despite the interrupted 2024 season. Cincinnati falls to D because three acquired picks produced no comparable long-term starter. The Patriots win decisively.