Since the defense unit has new leadership, the Detroit Lions will probably lose free-agent linebacker Derrick Barnes this offseason. While one source indicates Barnes should be a priority for a re-sign, it probably won’t be possible as the Lions don’t have former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn or former Linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard. It’s possible Sheppard could decide to keep him since getting the promotion to defensive coordinator but given Barnes’ injury history, they are probably moving on. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Purdue product became an inaugural piece under the General Manager Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell era.
Barnes was a testament to what they were trying to build on their pass-rushing unit. He was a note-worthy draft pick and a bit raw in his development as an off-ball linebacker, Barnes hasn’t had to chance to build off a season-ending 2024 campaign. In 2023, he had a strong season but couldn’t consistently produce the next year after suffering that injury to the Cardinals in Week three. The Lions had to survive with just Jack Campbell for the rest of the season as other men like Malcolm Rodriguez and Jalen Reeves-Maybin were out with injuries, including Barnes.
As Barnes is coming off major surgery, the Lions will probably let him test the market, and either way he could have interest from two suitors.
REPORT: Lions Expected to Lose Homegrown Free Agent Derrick Barnes – Ravens, Chargers Could Emerge as Suitors
Baltimore Time?
The Baltimore Ravens need to do their best to get some capable veterans to salvage the defensive unit. Last offseason, the team lost Jadeveon Clowney and Geno Stone who were key to the Ravens’ success and why they had a legitimate chance for a Super Bowl run. Unfortunately, salary cap concerns which they are dealing with now become an issue again this offseason. Trenton Simpson hasn’t been living up to expectations of what head coach John Harbaugh is looking for so the team needs a temporary veteran and perhaps, Derrick Barnes could be the missing piece to the puzzle.
Kyle Van Noy is entering the final year of his contract and while the Ravens could lose him next offseason, Barnes could establish a new home in Baltimore. As long as he stays healthy, he could be a capable defender to get after the quarterback alongside Roquan Smith and Odafe Oweh. Barnes is a better defensive talent than David Ojabo and Simpson combined so the Ravens could sign him even on a one-year bargain.
Joey Bosa’s Temporary Replacement
After releasing Joey Bosa, the Los Angeles Chargers need a new linebacker in the worst possible way. While they have money to burn, the team should wait until after the draft to commit to a long-term answer at the pass-rushing position. There’s no update on if the Chargers will extend Mack but since they haven’t begun contract negotiations, the team will likely see him in a different uniform.
With that, the next on the list is to extend either Poona Ford or Teair Tart who had phenomenal seasons under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. If they do that, the Chargers could plug Barnes in that unit to fit in Harbaugh’s trenches to give the team a legitimate boost.
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