The Detroit Lions are bringing back linebacker Derrick Barnes on a three-year, $25.5 million contract that features $16 million fully guaranteed upon signing, a source informed ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Barnes had just three starts in 2024 because of a knee injury involving tears to the MCL and PCL. He played in 16 games (13 starts) in 2023, recording 81 total tackles (five for loss), one sack, and a forced fumble, marking his best season as a professional.
The Purdue player intercepted Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield during the postseason of the 2023 season, securing a 31-23 victory that advanced the Lions to the NFC championship, where they were defeated by the San Francisco 49ers.
Barnes, selected in the fourth round of the 2021 draft, has accumulated 205 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks, and one forced fumble over 51 career games (26 starts).