Most Important Lions of 2025: Healthy Derrick Barnes is a much-needed addition to the D
It's been an eventful year for Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes. Most recently, he signed a three-year contract extension worth $25.5 million dollars with $16 million dollars guaranteed. Prior to that, he was playing some of the best football of his career and it was clear that he was building a defined role on the defense. However, there's some uncertainty on if Barnes will have limitations coming off an injury.
Last season there were unfortunate circumstances with Barnes getting lost to the season with a knee injury. This occurred after a cut block in week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals. The blocker hit Barnes low and at an awkward angle, and immediately Barnes was left grabbing his knee. Despite some hope that he could return, it was ultimately revealed late last season that Barnes wouldn't return.
Now Barnes is back, playing under a new contract, and he's been a full go up to this point of the off-season. It's been said from Barnes that he 'expects to have the same role' for Kelvin Sheppard as he did for Aaron Glenn. Obviously, that is yet to be see,n but plenty of attention will be focused on Barnes and what he can do coming off a serious knee injury.
It was clear last season that Barnes was missed for the Lions defense. Having a versatile defender that can align in the middle of the defense or stand up off the edge is important for any defense. That's no different in Detroit. Additionally, seeing the injuries sustained to Alex Anzalone and Malcolm Rodriguez left the Lions scrambling to find help at linebacker next to Jack Campbell.
It's evident that having a healthy Derrick Barnes is important and him staying healthy is just as important. It's hard to find a player to fill his spot on a consistent basis. Meanwhile, he'll need to play up to his new contract. All the signs point to that happening this season, but if it doesn't, the Lions could be left scrambling to put the pieces together as the season goes on.
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