The Lions made an early move in the offseason by locking in 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 plays a crucial role in the Lions’ defense, acting as a hybrid edge rusher and off-ball linebacker. Detroit relies heavily on its base defense during first and second downs, making Barnes a valuable asset.

This extension ensures Barnes will spend the prime years of his career with the Lions.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes is earning high praise for the impressive rebuild he’s overseeing in Detroit.

Holmes joined Detroit during the 2021 NFL offseason, coinciding with the hiring of head coach Dan Campbell. Holmes quickly got to work, adding several key players during the 2021 NFL Draft to help shape the Campbell-era Lions.

Detroit has reaped the benefits of several successful picks from that draft, with Barnes’ extension marking the fourth player from that class to receive a long-term deal.

The Lions extended wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to a four-year, $120 million contract shortly before the 2024 NFL Draft. This is likely the most significant move, as the Lions selected St. Brown in the fourth round.

On the same day, Detroit also extended offensive tackle Penei Sewell with a four-year, $112 million contract. The Lions picked Sewell with their first-round pick in 2021.

Additionally, during the 2024 season, the Lions extended defensive tackle Alim McNeill with a four-year, $97 million deal.

There are two remaining players from the 2021 draft class, Ifeatu Melifonwu and Levi Onwuzurike, who could also see extensions from the Lions this offseason.

The 2021 draft class for Detroit is shaping up to be one of the most successful in the franchise’s history.