The Lions have reportedly agreed to keep linebacker Derrick Barnes around on a three-year deal.
The Detroit Lions have secured linebacker Derrick Barnes for the long term, re-signing him to a three-year, $25.5 million contract, which includes $16 million guaranteed, according to Ian Rapoport.
This deal marks a significant step in Barnes’ career. Drafted by the Lions in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Barnes began as a reserve player but steadily earned a larger role on defense. In 2023, he managed to fend off rookie Jack Campbell for much of the season. By 2024, the Lions found a unique role for him as the SAM linebacker, where he contributed as both an edge rusher and an off-ball linebacker. This new contract reflects his growing importance to the team’s defense.
Derrick Barnes got off to a strong start in the season but unfortunately suffered a torn PCL and MCL in Week 3, which caused him to miss the remainder of the year.
With Barnes’ new contract, the Detroit Lions have solidified their linebacker group for the near future. Rookie Jack Campbell’s deal runs through 2026, with a fifth-year option for 2027, while Barnes is now signed through 2027. Alex Anzalone is in the final year of his contract. Other linebackers currently under contract include Malcolm Rodriguez (whose contract expires after 2025), as well as Abraham Beauplan and DaRon Gilbert, both on futures contracts. It’s also expected that the Lions will release Jalen Reeves-Maybin. This gives Detroit a strong and stable linebacker core moving forward.
