By Adeniyi Precious 
The Detroit Lions are keeping one of their own before free agency even begins, re-signing linebacker Derrick Barnes to a three-year contract. According to ESPN, the deal could be worth up to $25 million, with $16 million guaranteed.
Barnes has steadily improved since joining the team and had been playing a versatile role before suffering a season-ending injury last year. In just three games, he lined up all over the defense—logging snaps on the defensive line, in the box, and even at slot corner.
Back in November, Barnes gave an update on his rehab, saying he was “ahead of schedule” and staying focused on the process. Now, with a new contract in hand, he’s set to return as a key piece of Detroit’s defense.
New defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has worked with Barnes since he entered the league and is excited about his potential. “The sky’s the limit for him,” Sheppard said previously, praising Barnes’ combination of size, speed, and physicality.
Barnes, a fourth-round pick in 2021, joins Penei Sewell, Alim McNeill, and Amon-Ra St. Brown as players from that draft class who have earned multi-year extensions. His return solidifies the Lions’ linebacker corps alongside Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell.
Barnes’ breakout year came in 2023, when he started 13 games, racked up 81 tackles, and even sealed Detroit’s playoff win over Tampa Bay with a clutch interception. Now, the 25-year-old is locked in as part of the Lions’ long-term core.
With free agency around the corner, Detroit still has decisions to make on key players like cornerback Carlton Davis III, defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike, guard Kevin Zeitler, and defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu.
But for now, they’ve taken care of business by locking up a versatile defender who’s already made his mark in Detroit.