Derrick Barnes was playing the best football of his career last season before a knee injury in September. The Lions are banking that he'll build on it.
Detroit is bringing Barnes back on a three-year, $25.5 million deal, per ESPN, with $16 million fully guaranteed. The 25-year-old linebacker was slated to hit free agency next week.
The Lions have had high hopes for Barnes since selecting him in the fourth round of their first draft class under Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell. It took him time to find his game in the NFL, but he emerged in 2023 and really took a step at the start of last season as the versatile SAM linebacker in Detroit's defense.
The trio of Barnes, Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell looked like a strength for the Lions before Barnes tore his MCL and PCL early in the team's Week 3 win over the Cardinals. Barnes avoided any damage to his ACL, had surgery in October and should be ready for the start of training camp.
At $8.5 million per year, Barnes could turn into a bargain for Detroit if he makes a full recovery and continues on his pre-injury trajectory -- substantial 'if's,' to be fair. He can rush the passer, drop into coverage and snuff out the run off the edge, a hard package to find at his position. Those responsibilities seemed to come more naturally to him last season.
At the very least, Barnes' contract shouldn't be one that hampers the Lions in the years ahead, with the salary cap continuing to rise.