The Detroit Lions’ first draft class under Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell has now completed the final year of their rookie contracts.
While Penei Sewell and Amon-Ra St. Brown have already secured long-term deals, several other key players from that draft are still on expiring contracts, including fourth-round pick Derrick Barnes.
The 2024 season was expected to be significant for Barnes, who had established himself as a key defensive player the previous year. However, his season was cut short due to a season-ending knee injury sustained after a cut block against the Arizona Cardinals.
Assessing Barnes’ future value is challenging, as he remains somewhat unproven in terms of consistency. However, the tape suggests his best years are ahead of him. In his first two NFL seasons, he accumulated 117 tackles, despite starting only 10 out of the 32 games he appeared in.
In his third NFL season, the Lions found a more defined role for him, and he thrived. Barnes, who had played more off the edge during his college days at Purdue, began working as a blitzing linebacker and performed well against the run.
He also made history with a pivotal play, recording a game-clinching interception against Tampa Bay in the 2023 Divisional Round, propelling the Lions to the NFC Championship game.
The Lions’ coaching staff has consistently praised Barnes. Many expected his role to diminish with the team’s selection of Jack Campbell in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but Barnes outperformed Campbell in training camp and secured a starting spot.
Heading into 2024, Barnes was primed for another strong year, but the injury derailed those plans. Despite this setback, Barnes appears to still have a place in the Lions’ defensive future, as he was initially slated for an every-down role.
The Lions are bringing back most of their core linebackers for at least one more season. Jack Campbell is entering his third year of his rookie deal, Alex Anzalone is in the final year of a three-year extension signed before the 2023 season, and Malcolm Rodriguez is entering the last year of his rookie contract.
With Barnes’ injury in mind, his market value heading into the offseason is uncertain. However, it’s likely the Lions will offer him a solid contract, as he fits well within the team’s culture and has significant potential for continued success based on his trajectory.
