The Detroit Lions have had anything but a smooth start to the 2025 offseason. Between Frank Ragnow’s surprise retirement, Malcolm Rodriguez being out until at least November, and both Alim McNeill and Alex Anzalone missing the start of OTAs, the injury bug hit early—and hard.
But not all hope is lost. In fact, one under-the-radar move the front office made could end up being a lifesaver: bringing back linebacker Derrick Barnes.
It didn’t get the headlines of other signings, but it probably should’ve. With Rodriguez sidelined and Anzalone’s return still unclear, the Lions would be paper-thin at linebacker if Barnes hadn’t been re-signed. Now, he’s poised to take on a bigger role alongside Jack Campbell and potentially step in as a veteran anchor for the unit.
Barnes’ 2024 season was cut short due to a knee injury in Week 3, but before that, he’d been one of Detroit’s most dependable defenders. In 2023, he racked up 81 tackles, a sack, and 11.5 stuffs—earning a strong 71.8 PFF grade despite missing most of the season.
With the defense still battling injuries, Barnes’ return is starting to look like a low-key masterstroke by Brad Holmes and company. If he plays like he did pre-injury, the Lions’ linebacker group might be in much better shape than anyone expected heading into the season.
Lions’ Quiet Re-Signing of Derrick Barnes Looks Brilliant After Injury Woes
