The Detroit Lions lost both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to head coaching openings following the end of their season. Although Detroit has now filled those vacancies with former Denver Broncos staffer John Morton and linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard, the organization now faces a looming threat of losing players.
Typically, coordinators who become head coaches aim to bring a few players from their previous team with them. This helps the new coach set their culture within the new organization. Glenn reportedly already has his sights on a few Lions to bring into New York.
According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, Glenn is setting his sights on linebacker Derrick Barnes.
“One player I’m told Glenn will target in free agency is linebacker Derrick Barnes, the Lions’ fourth-round pick out of Purdue in 2021 who will be on the free-agent market after completing his rookie contract. Barnes started 13 games in 2023, but he played in just three last season after tearing an ACL and PCL when he was cut block.”
– Tony Pauline
Lions Could Loss Derrick Barnes to Aaron Glenn and the New York Jets this Offseason
Detroit selected Barnes with the 113th pick of the 2021 NFL draft. During his first two seasons, Barnes saw the field sparingly, with snap counts of 39% in 2021 and 35% in 2022. Yet, he made the most of his opportunities on the field, recording 114 tackles, three sacks, seven tackles for loss and three pass deflections.
Barnes’s stellar play earned him an increased role in his third season. In 2023, Barnes started 13 games, playing 68% of the defensive snaps. In that playing time, he recorded 81 tackles (fourth on the team), five tackles for loss (sixth), five quarterback hits, one sack and one forced fumble.
The 2024 campaign was the final year of Barnes’s rookie contract, meaning he enters free agency this offseason. While the Lions will aim to retain Barnes, they must determine what they think a fair price is for him given the other pending free agents they have.
If Barnes believes he is worth more than what the Lions are willing to give him, joining back up with Glenn in New York might be the best thing for him.
