The Eagles have re-signed defensive end Derek Barnett to a two-year contract, the team announced on Thursday, March 24th.
On Tuesday, details were released on the terms of the contract and Mike Garafolo reports the contract is "basically a one-year, $5.5 million" deal.
Barnett has been with the team since he was a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He has 21.5 sacks, 147 tackles and 76 quarterback hits in 64 games.
Barnett coming back is somewhat surprising considering he had a terrible 2021 season with the Eagles, finishing with a career-low two sacks, 11 quarterback hits and had issues with bad penalties throughout the season.
The Eagles lack of depth at defensive end, however, makes this a somewhat necessary — although uninspiring — move for the team.
Barnett joins a defensive end rotation right now that has Haason Reddick, Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat, a unit that has upside but a ton of question marks. Graham is coming off of a season-ending Achilles injury. Sweat has yet to prove he is an elite pass rusher. Reddick is in his first year with the team and it is unclear what his role will.
Bringing back Barnett gives the Eagles some depth along the edge, and is a fine signing, even if it isn't an exciting one that gives fans something they have been waiting for this offseason -- reason to feel optimistic about next season.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com
