Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes should be a priority to bring back for the 2025 season.
Our 2025 Detroit Lions free agent series continues. We’re breaking down each and every single decision the team must make with their pending free agent class ahead of this offseason including what their expectations were coming into the 2024 season, how they performed, and ultimately their chances of returning to Detroit for this next season.
Next up in the series we have one of the more notable names that are set to hit free agency this spring for the Lions—linebacker Derrick Barnes.
Here’s a look at our previously-written free agent profiles: WR Tim Patrick , RG Kevin Zeitler , and DT Kyle Peko .
Derrick Barnes
Expectations heading into 2024
Originally a fourth-round selection in general manager Brad Holmes’ inaugural draft class, Barnes is another testament to the coaching staff and culture both Holmes and coach Dan Campbell have created here in Detroit.
Coming out of Purdue, Barnes had several traits that made him a note-worthy prospect during the 2021 pre-draft process. While he was a bit raw in terms of his overall development as an off-ball linebacker, Holmes drafted Barnes knowing the Lions’ coaching staff would be equipped to bring him along.
And after three years under coaches like former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, and former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard—Barnes was part of a deep, talented linebacker room that figured to be an important piece of a defense that had every intention of making a name for themselves in 2024.
With fellow linebackers Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell working primarily off-ball, Barnes was finally free to see more of his snaps at the SAM linebacker position, where he would be able to show off his pass-rushing skills off the edge, as well as the athleticism to cover ground in coverage.
Actual role in 2024
Note: PFF grades combine regular season and playoffs and reflect a minimum 20% snaps at that position
3 games (3 starts): 9 tackles, 1 QB hurry, 1 QB pressure, 1 fumble recovery — 120 defensive snaps (did not qualify for ranking) 27 total special teams snaps
PFF defense grade: 71.8
PFF run defense grade: 77.2
PFF tackling grade: 71.0
PFF pass rush grade: 57.7
PFF coverage grade: 66.6
Like far too many members of the 2024 Lions’ defense, Barnes’ season was cut short due to a knee injury suffered in the team’s Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
It was a routine cut block from Cardinals’ tight end Trey McBride, but it’s football and stuff happens. Unfortunately for the Lions, losing Barnes was one of the first of many moments of bad injury luck, and one that hurt their front seven for the rest of the year. Prior to that, Barnes was a key contributor for a defense that got off to a really strong start before the waves of injuries began.
It’s crazy to think that a linebacker room that began the year with Barnes, Campbell, Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin would reach a stretch of games where only Campbell was healthy. Tough to imagine at the beginning of September, but by early December—Detroit was turning to practice squad linebackers on a weekly basis.
Outlook for 2025
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent
The situation surrounding Barnes is an interesting one. It took time, but Barnes turned in a strong season in 2023, and by the looks of it, was primed to ramp things up even more in 2024 before his season was abruptly ended.
At this point in his career, Barnes has put enough on tape to have suitors. And had he been afforded the opportunity to settle in at the SAM in 2024, I think the conversation surrounding Barnes would be entirely different.
However, because he is coming off of the aforementioned knee injury that required corrective surgery, the conversation does shift a bit in terms of guaranteed money as well as contract length.
Pros of re-signing
If new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard decides to stick with a similar style of defense in 2025, it would be really valuable to have someone like Barnes across from star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
From a schematic-fit, Barnes can do it all from the SAM spot. The pass rush juice is there, he can drop into a zone and function in coverage, and he can set an edge against the run. Barnes also offers quite a bit of positional flexibility, as he has spent plenty of time at off-ball linebacker in Glenn’s system, giving the Lions depth at those positions, too.
Cons of re-signing
The only one that comes to mind is that he is coming off a season where he did tear both his PCL and MCL and having to recover from that. With that said, technology these days make injuries like the one Barnes suffered almost a non-issue in most cases.
Another thing to consider is the looming extensions for both Hutchinson, and All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph. These are all factors that Holmes and the rest of his staff have to take into consideration when making decisions concerning the roster.
Is there interest from both sides?
I would think so, but it’s hard to say at this point. Personally, I do think Barnes will have other suitors besides the Lions, and potentially, ones that may be willing to pay more than the Lions. The Aaron Glenn’s New York Jets is one of the first teams that come to mind that could throw some cash around. New York’s defense has a lot of talent, and bringing in Barnes would be a way to solidify the unit, while also setting helping Glenn set his standard with the Jets.
Cost?
Barring someone offering up some serious guaranteed money, I would guess that Barnes signs a one or two year deal where his AAV doesn’t exceed $5 million.
Conclusion
Given that the cost should be a bit more affordable, I think this is one player that Detroit will want to bring back—if only on a one, or two-year deal. I assume Barnes will want to hit the open market again relatively soon, so he can really cash in on a deal with some big guaranteed money the next time he is up.
If that is indeed his end goal, sticking around in Detroit to play a pivotal role on a contender is certainly one way to accomplish that.