The free agency phase officially starts on Monday, permitting teams to negotiate with athletes. Before that, though, teams are adjusting their rosters to organize their finances and prepare for free agency. On Friday, the Detroit Lions made a significant move by finalizing a three-year, $25.5 million contract extension for linebacker Derrick Barnes.
The Lions continued by bringing back additional experienced linebackers. Initially, they inked Anthony Pittman to a one-year contract, then re-signed Ezekiel Turner, as reported by NFL insider Aaron Wilson.
NFL Update: Lions Re-Sign Special Teams Star Ezekiel Turner
Turner joined the Lions as a midseason acquisition in the 2024 season. He initially joined the practice squad on November 6 and was elevated to the active roster ten days afterward due to significant injuries on the defensive side of the field. The 28-year-old defender rapidly emerged as a key special teams player and a significant element of the rotation in Detroit.
The previous undrafted free agent played his initial six seasons with the Cardinals, largely participating on special teams. In Detroit, he participated in 72% of special teams plays since his arrival and also took part in 111 defensive snaps over nine games. In the playoffs against the Commanders, he only participated in special teams plays.
The Detroit Lions have been active in the linebacker department. They are said to be letting Jalen Reeves-Maybin go, and some fans have been speculating if Turner is under consideration as a replacement for Reeves-Maybin. Along with Turner, Pittman, and Barnes, Detroit continues to retain Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, Abraham Beauplan, and DaRon Gilbert on their roster. Rodriguez will be returning after a torn ACL, and when he does, the Lions are expected to have a formidable linebacker rotation
It remains uncertain if Detroit will retain all eight linebackers on the roster, but this is a positive beginning to the offseason. It will be interesting to see how the Lions utilize their $51 million in cap space when free agency officially begins.
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