The Detroit Lions have made their first major move of the offseason, securing one of their own key players and keeping him on the roster. Fans had been eagerly awaiting news on which free agents the team would work to retain, and with just days left until the legal tampering period begins, the Lions have acted quickly.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the Lions have agreed to a three-year, $25.5 million extension with linebacker Derrick Barnes, a crucial part of their defense. The deal includes $16 million in fully guaranteed money upon signing.
“The #Lions have agreed to a 3-year $25.5M extension for Derrick Barnes, a key part of their defense. $16 M of the deal is fully guaranteed on signing, per me and @ MikeGarafolo,” Rapoport shared on Twitter.
There had been rumors that Aaron Glenn, the former Lions defensive coordinator, might try to bring Barnes to the New York Jets. It’s easy to see why Glenn would have been interested in his former player, given Barnes’ development and value on the field.
Barnes was drafted by the Lions in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and that decision has proven to be a wise one. In his first two seasons, he made an immediate impact as a rotational player, recording 114 total tackles. By his third year, Barnes became a starter, contributing 81 total tackles and five tackles for loss in his new role.
Unfortunately, a season-ending injury in 2024 after just three games sidelined him for the remainder of the year. Now, with his new extension, Barnes will be back in the starting lineup for 2025, and the Lions have solidified their linebacker position without needing to navigate the uncertainty of free agency—all while managing to secure him at a reasonable cost.
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Dungeon of Doom: Lions’ Free Agency Outlook and Post-Combine NFL Mock Drafts
The Detroit Lions wasted no time in getting ahead of the free agency frenzy, securing linebacker Derrick Barnes with a three-year contract extension before he could hit the open market.
Expect a flurry of activity this weekend as teams prepare for the upcoming tampering period, which officially kicks off on Monday. With deals set to become official by Wednesday, it’s shaping up to be a fast-paced week across the league.
On MLive’s Dungeon of Doom podcast, hosts Ben Raven and Kory Woods break down Barnes’ new deal and what we can expect in the coming days. They also delve into potential trade targets to keep an eye on. Additionally, the duo runs through their updated post-combine mock drafts, discussing the changes they’ve made and why, including who they believe should be available to the Lions at Pick 28.
