The Detroit Lions made waves in free agency by signing linebacker Derrick Barnes to a substantial contract, raising questions about whether they went too far.
As the second week of the 2025 free agency period unfolds, the Lions’ lack of major acquisitions has become apparent. While cornerback DJ Reed stands out as a solid signing, Detroit has primarily focused on retaining its own players rather than pursuing external talent.
Among those retained is Barnes, who secured a three-year, $25.5 million deal with $16 million guaranteed before free agency officially began. Given these figures, the contract appears quite favorable for Barnes, but he has emerged as a crucial component of the Lions’ defense. He fits well into the versatile SAM linebacker role—a position the team has struggled to stabilize.
However, Barnes’ recent injury history adds an element of risk. His 2024 season was cut short in Week 3 due to a knee injury, though he avoided an ACL tear, sustaining damage to his MCL and PCL instead. After signing his new contract, Barnes assured reporters that he expects to be ready for the upcoming offseason program.
From a financial standpoint, certain details of his contract are reasonable, but the fully guaranteed $7.49 million base salary in 2026 stands out. For the next two seasons, the Lions are essentially locked into this commitment.
Pro Football Focus Criticizes the Lions’ Decision
Pro Football Focus analyst Mason Cameron ranked Barnes’ contract as Detroit’s most questionable free agency move so far.
“The Lions allocated a significant amount of money to keep Barnes—far exceeding expectations—suggesting they have a clear vision for the 25-year-old, who is coming off a serious knee injury. Given the uncertainty regarding his role in the defense, Detroit likely could have signed him to a more affordable short-term contract.”
PFF originally projected Barnes to land a one-year, $2.75 million contract with $1.15 million guaranteed. By that standard, Detroit overpaid significantly. If there was competition for his services, it likely came from the New York Jets, where former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is now the head coach.
Back in January, Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reported that Glenn intended to pursue some of Detroit’s defensive free agents for his new team. Barnes was specifically mentioned as a target.
Even if another team, such as the Jets, had an offer on the table, it remains debatable whether the Lions needed to commit to a three-year deal with $16 million guaranteed. In hindsight, they may have been better off letting Barnes walk.
