Pride of Detroit
Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes should be a priority to bring back for the 2025 season.
Our 2025 Detroit Lions free agent series continues. We’re breaking down each and every single decision the team must make with their pending free agent class ahead of this offseason including what their expectations were coming into the 2024 season, how they performed, and ultimately their chances of returning to Detroit for this next season.
Next up in the series we have one of the more notable names that are set to hit free agency this spring for the Lions—linebacker Derrick Barnes.
Here’s a look at our previously-written free agent profiles: WR Tim Patrick, RG Kevin Zeitler, and DT Kyle Peko.
Originally a fourth-round selection in general manager Brad Holmes’ inaugural draft class, Barnes is another testament to the coaching staff and culture both Holmes and coach Dan Campbell have created here in Detroit.
Coming out of Purdue, Barnes had several traits that made him a note-worthy prospect during the 2021 pre-draft process. While he was a bit raw in terms of his overall development as an off-ball linebacker, Holmes drafted Barnes knowing the Lions’ coaching staff would be equipped to bring him along.
And after three years under coaches like former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, and former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard—Barnes was part of a deep, talented linebacker room that figured to be an important piece of a defense that had every intention of making a name for themselves in 2024.
With fellow linebackers Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell working primarily off-ball, Barnes was finally free to see more of his snaps at the SAM linebacker position, where he would be able to show off his pass-rushing skills off the edge, as well as the athleticism to cover ground in coverage.
Note: PFF grades combine regular season and playoffs and reflect a minimum 20% snaps at that position
3 games (3 starts): 9 tackles, 1 QB hurry, 1 QB pressure, 1 fumble recovery — 120 defensive snaps (did not qualify for ranking) 27 total special teams snaps
PFF defense grade: 71.8
PFF run defense grade: 77.2
PFF tackling grade: 71.0
PFF pass rush grade: 57.7
PFF coverage grade: 66.6
Like far too many members of the 2024 Lions’ defense, Barnes’ season was cut short due to a knee injury suffered in the team’s Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
It was a routine cut block from Cardinals’ tight end Trey McBride, but it’s football and stuff happens. Unfortunately for the Lions, losing Barnes was one of the first of many moments of bad injury luck, and one that hurt their front seven for the rest of the year. Prior to that, Barnes was a key contributor for a defense that got off to a really strong start before the waves of injuries began.
It’s crazy to think that a linebacker room that began the year with Barnes, Campbell, Anzalone,...
