The Detroit Lions have made a move to keep linebacker Derrick Barnes on board with a three-year, $25.5 million contract, which includes $16 million guaranteed, according to Ian Rapoport.

This marks a big contract for Barnes, who was drafted by the Lions in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Initially a backup, Barnes gradually grew into an important defensive piece. In 2023, he fended off rookie Jack Campbell for most of the season, and by 2024, the Lions created a unique SAM linebacker role for Barnes, where he operated both as an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker.

Barnes got off to a strong start in the 2024 season, but unfortunately, a torn PCL and MCL in Week 3 sidelined him for the remainder of the year.

With this move, Detroit now has its linebacker corps secured for the future. Campbell’s rookie contract extends through 2026 (with an option for 2027), Barnes is locked up through 2027, and Alex Anzalone is in the final year of his deal. Other linebackers under contract include Malcolm Rodriguez (through 2025), Abraham Beauplan (futures contract), and DaRon Gilbert (futures contract). The Lions are expected to release Jalen Reeves-Maybin.

For updates on all the Lions’ free-agent decisions, check out their 2025 offseason tracker, as well as their depth chart and contract details on the 2025 contract tracker.

It’s inspiring to see Barnes’ career evolve so significantly in just four years—congratulations on his new contract.