By Sunday 
A Comeback Story You Don’t Want to Miss
In a Detroit Lions offseason brimming with bold additions, breakout buzz, and sky-high expectations, it’s easy to get swept up in the big names. From new faces like D.J. Reed to rising stars like Jack Campbell, there’s no shortage of headlines.
But if you’re looking for a player who could quietly become one of the most impactful on the 2025 roster? Keep your eyes locked on Derrick Barnes.
Forgotten No More
It’s wild to think that Barnes — once a playoff standout — is flying under the radar. This time last year, he was rehabbing a knee injury that cut his 2024 season short in Week 3. But rewind to just a few months before that, and you’ll remember a linebacker who made Baker Mayfield look like a rookie with a clutch interception in the Divisional Round at Ford Field.
Now fully healthy, Barnes is back — and so is the buzz.
“It doesn’t feel like hardly any Detroit Lions are lying under the radar right now, but Barnes gets my vote,” said Lions team reporter Dannie Rogers.
“Some might have forgotten about him, but I’d love to see Barnes get his name back on the radar as a top player for Detroit.”
Why the Lions Need Barnes in 2025
The SAM linebacker spot isn’t a walk in the park — it demands versatility, physicality, and sharp instincts. And Barnes checks every box. He can cover in space, pressure quarterbacks, and disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage.
“The Lions ask a lot from their SAM linebacker spot… Barnes has a unique skill set as an effective pass rusher and being able to play in space,” added Tim Twentyman, senior writer at DetroitLions.com.
With Detroit’s defensive line stacked — Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport off the edge, and the promising duo of Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams inside — that leaves a golden opportunity for Barnes to feast statistically.
Eyes on Camp
Training camp will be the real test. But Barnes is already trending up. His teammates have noticed. His coaches are optimistic. And if his health holds, it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the NFL remembers the name Derrick Barnes.
Detroit might be heading into a Super Bowl-or-bust season, but don’t be surprised if one of the quietest pieces in their playbook becomes one of the loudest difference-makers on the field.