The Detroit Lions’ decision to re-sign linebacker Derrick Barnes to a three-year, $25.5 million contract (with $16 million guaranteed) before the start of free agency has raised some eyebrows. As the Lions have been largely inactive in signing external players during the second week of 2025 free agency, many have pointed out that Barnes’ deal seems like a significant overpay. While cornerback DJ Reed was a solid addition, Barnes’ contract stands out given his recent knee injury, which cut his 2024 season short in Week 3. Despite not suffering a torn ACL (only MCL and PCL damage), Barnes has reassured reporters that he’ll be ready for the offseason.
Though the finer details of Barnes’ contract are not too concerning, his fully guaranteed base salary of $7.49 million in 2026 is somewhat notable. It leaves the Lions tied to him contractually for the next two years, regardless of his performance.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) criticized the deal, naming it one of their least-favorite moves for the Lions in free agency. PFF pointed out that the Lions overpaid Barnes compared to their projections, which had suggested a one-year deal worth $2.75 million ($1.15 million guaranteed). With Barnes recovering from a serious injury and uncertainty about his role in the defense, PFF suggested Detroit could have secured him for a much cheaper short-term deal. Despite the possibility of some competition from other teams, particularly the New York Jets, it remains questionable whether the Lions needed to offer Barnes such a long-term, expensive contract. In hindsight, the Lions might have been better off allowing him to leave.
