Derrick Barnes was on observe without spending a dime company, however that can not be the case. The fourth-year linebacker has agreed to stay in Detroit for the foreseeable future.
Barnes and the Lions have a three-year deal in place, as first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The pact is price $25.5M and contains $16M totally assured at signing. Barnes will eschew a visit to the open market in change for appreciable safety on his second profession contract.
Throughout his first two seasons in Detroit, the Purdue product served in a rotational function on protection whereas additionally chipping in on particular groups. Barnes took on an elevated workload in 2023, making 13 begins and setting a brand new profession excessive in tackles (81). Expectations had been excessive for a powerful follow-up marketing campaign this previous yr, however issues didn’t go in accordance with plan.
A knee injury restricted Barnes to simply three video games in 2024. A return deep into the postseason was thought-about a risk at instances, however because the Lions navigated a large number of accidents on protection particularly, it will definitely grew to become clear that would not be possible. That missed time threatened to hinder the 25-year-old’s market had he reached free company, however he has however managed to safe a notable dedication from the Lions.
Detroit has Jack Campbell connected to his rookie contract, whereas veteran Alex Anzalone is on the books for 2025 (albeit with none assured wage remaining on his deal). The staff’s linebacker depth chart was recently thinned out to an extent by the choice to launch Jalen Reeves-Maybin. Friday’s information ensures Barnes will stay a key determine on the second degree for 2025 and past, although.
The pending free agent class features a few notable linebacker choices, though one of the crucial engaging ones (Zack Baun) has already re-signed with the Eagles. Barnes coming off the market represents an unwelcomed growth for his potential suitors, a bunch which may well have included the Jets. It will likely be fascinating to see if some other offers on the place are labored out previous to the beginning of the brand new league yr subsequent week. In any case, Barnes is about to proceed his profession within the Motor Metropolis.
