The Detroit Lions got an early jump on their offseason by locking down a key defensive player.

Detroit has reached a three-year, $25.5 million contract extension with linebacker Derrick Barnes, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The deal includes $16 million fully guaranteed at signing.

Barnes is crucial to Detroit’s defense, serving as a versatile edge rusher and off-ball linebacker. The Lions often use their base defense on first and second downs, making a player like Barnes extremely valuable.

Now, Barnes is set to play his prime years in the NFL with the Lions.

The Lions have now extended four players from their 2021 NFL Draft class.

General manager Brad Holmes has earned significant praise for the successful rebuild he’s orchestrated in Detroit.

Detroit Lions 5-round post-combine 2025 NFL mock draft, per PFF simulator Holmes arrived in Detroit during the 2021 NFL offseason, the same hiring cycle as head coach Dan Campbell. Holmes wasted no time in shaping the Campbell-era Lions, selecting several foundational players in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Detroit has benefited greatly from the success of these draft picks. In fact, Barnes’ extension marks the fourth player from the 2021 draft class to receive a long-term deal.

The Lions signed WR Amon-Ra St. Brown to a four-year, $120 million extension just before the 2024 NFL Draft. This is perhaps the most significant hit, as the Lions selected St. Brown in the fourth round.

On the same day, Detroit also extended tackle Penei Sewell on a four-year, $112 million deal. The Lions selected Sewell in the first round of the 2021 draft.

Lastly, during the 2024 season, the Lions inked DT Alim McNeill to a four-year, $97 million extension.

Two players remain from that draft class, Ifeatu Melifonwu and Levi Onwuzurike, both of whom could see extensions from the Lions this offseason.

The 2021 draft class could go down as one of the most successful in Detroit’s history.