Detroit Lions’ Unsung Hero Who Is Making the Opposition Pay
When you have elite defenders like Aidan Hutchinson and Jack Campbell drawing attention, it’s easier for other talented players to fly under the radar and make plays the opposition doesn’t see coming. Now, one of the Detroit Lions’ previously unsung heroes, Derrick Barnes, is becoming a standout talent and making the opposition take notice.
Lions’ Unsung Hero Who Is Making the Opposition Pay
Returning from 2024’s season-ending surgery, Barnes has been quietly making an impact as a stealthy, unseen threat. But after his standout performance in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he’s no longer invisible. Barnes, along with Campbell and Alex Anzalone, make up the NFL’s only linebacker trio where all three rank in the top 30 at their position in snaps this season. No other team can boast a trio of linebackers who come close to matching those numbers.
During that game, the 6’0” 240 lb. Barnes exploded for five tackles, 1 TFL, 1.0 sack, one quarterback hit, and a pass defense. In the locker room after the Lions’ decisive 24-9 victory, Dan Campbell singled him out for a game ball. “He’s playing really good football, and just versatile, man. To have this guy back,” said Campbell, “it’s been big.”
Barnes, A Foundational Player In The Lions Rebuild
Drafted by the Lions in the fourth round (113th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft, Barnes was one of the first players selected by Brad Holmes. That renowned draft class, consisting of Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Alim McNeill, and Barnes, formed the foundation of what would soon become the Lions’ rebirth.
During his five years with Detroit, the former Purdue Boilermaker recorded 247 tackles (120 solo), 7.0 sacks, five PDFs, one safety, and a forced fumble. Following a strong 2023 season where Barnes recorded a career-high 78 tackles (41 solo), five TFLs, and 1.0 sacks in 16 games, he began 2024 with high hopes. On January 21, 2024, in the NFC Divisional playoff game against the Buccaneers, Barnes snatched a late-game interception off Baker Mayfield. It was the first pick of his career and capped off a 31-23 victory that sent the Lions to the NFC Championship.
A Devastating End to A Promising 2024 Season
Preparing for a breakout year in 2024, Barnes was off to a strong start with 10 tackles (four solo) and a pass defense when disaster struck in Week 3. During the game against the Arizona Cardinals, he injured his right knee, tearing his ACL and PCL. It was a brutal ending to a season that had started with so much promise.
During his lengthy recovery, the 26-year-old feared his time in Detroit might be at an end. Before his injury, Barnes had been a solid, dependable member of the Lions’ defense, but he was in the final year of his rookie contract. Being unable to play for the majority of the 2024 season made him vulnerable.
However, Holmes and Campbell have a history of rewarding players who work hard, meet the Lions’ standard, and contribute to the team’s success. Despite his injury, the Lions believed in Barnes’ talent and were confident he would continue to excel. In March of 2025, Holmes signed him to a three-year contract extension worth $25.5 million, with $16 million guaranteed. The contract extension keeps Barnes with the team through the 2027 season.
Barnes, Grateful To Be Back
Oct 5, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) walks off the field following a win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Excited to be back in action this season and grateful for the team’s belief in him, the fifth-year veteran immediately began making his presence felt on the field. In the season opener against Green Bay, he had six tackles and stuffed Josh Jacobs on a running play. Two weeks later, after sacking Lamar Jackson, he hit Derrick Henry for a loss that resulted in a fumble. Although the Baltimore Ravens recovered the ball, the Lions emerged with a decisive 24-20 victory. In the Lions’ 37-24 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Barnes came up with a safety.
Barnes’s versatility and his talent at moving around in different formations make him difficult to defend. Recently, Lions’ DC Kelvin Sheppard underscored how important Barnes is to Detroit’s defense, “Yeah, you ask Brad what he means to my defense. I said that’s a player I had to have. I told him, that’s a player I have to have. That is literally my little brother on and off the field. I know he looks up to me and that means a lot to me, but outside of that, I believe this kid can play four or five spots on the football field and do it at a high level.”
Barnes, Coming Into His Own As A Team Leader
Although Barnes’ family initially had reservations about his signing with the perennially losing Lions, he couldn’t be happier now. In a recent interview on the NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,” Barnes declared that the Lions organization is unlike any other team in the NFL. “I’m just so blessed and honored to be part of this organization under Dan Campbell. Man, hopefully I get to spend the rest of my career here, because I don’t think there’s any place like Detroit.”
In addition to his standout plays on the football field, Barnes has become a leader in the locker room and a terrific ambassador for the team. With all the recent accolades coming his way, Barnes is quick to praise his teammates and, in particular, the Lions coaching staff.
When asked about how well the newly signed and practice squad players have stepped up to cover for injured starters, Barnes gave kudos to the coaches for getting the guys who just arrived ready to play the Buccaneers. Describing how the coaches provide players with everything they need to be successful, Barnes made it clear that the expectation is to go out there and perform. “No matter if you got there yesterday, a week ago, three weeks ago,” he explained. It’s the same standard, same expectations for everybody.
Barnes, Determined To Prove the Lions Were Right
Barnes said Campbell is the “best coach I ever had, like, head-coaching wise.” Describing him as a great man and a great leader, Barnes compared Campbell to Sheppard in terms of his approachability. “And he’s just like Shep — you can go talk to these guys about anything, any problems you have,” he said. “I mean, it’s a beautiful thing that I can walk up to his office anytime, ‘Hey, what’s going on, DB, what’s on your mind?’ And I can express my feelings to him. It’s amazing.”
But perhaps most of all, Barnes is deeply grateful for the confidence that Campbell and Holmes demonstrated when he was at his lowest point and undergoing a grueling recovery. “I can’t thank the Lions organization enough for believing in me and allowing me to showcase my talent.” Barnes is dedicating this season to being the player he knows he can be and proving the Lions were right to believe in him.
Vikings QB Raises Red Flag Before Week 7 Game Against Eagles
The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback decision between Carson Wentz and J.J. McCarthy for Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles could be made for them. Both QBs practiced on Wednesday, but it was McCarthy whose remarks offered some cause for concern.
McCarthy admitted this was his first experience with the injury that he had.
He also spoke in future terms regarding his current status and that of his balky ankle, which he first injured in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons.
J.J. McCarthy Gets Honest About Ankle Injury After Return to Vikings Practice
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up against the Atlanta Falcons.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert noted on X on October 15 that his “biggest takeaway” from McCarthy’s media availability was the Vikings’ QB’s comments about his ankle.
McCarthy was limited while Wentz was a full participant in practice on the Vikings’ report.
“The way it felt, it’s kind of uncertain. I’ve never felt a high ankle before. I’ve had low ankles. But just based off of what a lot of well-respected second opinions have said. They said it’s four to six, two to six, all this stuff. So, I feel like it was going to be in that range. And we’re still in that range, and it’s unfortunate, and they’re really annoying injuries. But yeah, we’re just continuing to work to get to 100% as quick as possible,” McCarthy told reporters on October 15.
“Ankle is – it’s getting there. I wouldn’t say it’s 100% right now, but we’re striving every day to get there as fast as possible.”
McCarthy was first spotted on the practice field on October 13.
The boys are back from the bye week 👀
J.J. McCarthy practiced for the first time in front of cameras since his ankle injury vs. the Falcons.
Kevin O’Connell says they plan to ramp things up… we’ll see Sunday if JJ’s ready to roll.
#Skol @Fox9Sports @FOX9
“Me selfishly, I’m going to play if it was off or not. But we got to be smart here and understand there’s a lot of things that go into place. And at the end of the day, I’m just going to do what I’m told and try to get better as fast as possible,” McCarthy told one reporter who asked if he felt he could play, before fielding a question about whether he believed he would be cleared to play.
“I really don’t know. Yeah. At the end of the day, I don’t know what I’m having for dinner tonight. So, I just try to stay moment by moment. But I trust that they’re going to do the best thing possible for this team and for the longevity of my career.”
J.J. McCarthy Gives Insight Into Recovery From Ankle Injury
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before a game against the Atlanta Falcons.
McCarthy, who has completed 58.5% of his passes for 301 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions this season, was supposed to run the scout team for the Vikings during their trip to London over the past two weeks.
He said that did not happen, but he did work on fundamentals with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown on the side.
McCarthy said it was really hard” to say if any of those “slipped” while he was sidelined, “just because my ankle isn’t 100%. So, it’s like you’re battling that mental hurdle. You’re battling “how inhibited am I to perform the certain movement.” So, it’s really hard to say if it’s slipped or not. But it’s one of those things where it’s just a seesaw for the rest of your career.
“It’s going to be fine-tuning regardless of how well you perform or how well you don’t.”
McCarthy also spoke about how Vikings vice president, player health and performance, Tyler Williams, has helped him.
“What Tyler has been saying in the training room, it’s all about stressing these and making sure you put it in a situation where it’s like, ‘Oo, I felt that,’ and I know I’m fine after feeling that<” McCarthy said. “You just kind of keep pressing that bandwidth of pain tolerance and mobility of that muscle, joint, whatever it is that you’re trying to heal up. So, yeah.”
J.J. McCarthy Planning to Be Wiser
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Atlanta Falcons.
McCarthy said the injury will impact how he plays, pointing to a more measured approach to operating the Vikings’ offense.
The idea is one O’Connell has expressed for Wentz: self-preservation.
“Just understanding the situation of the game. Is it fourth and one where I should go run through someone, or is it second-and-15, and I’m getting close to the sideline, and get out, 3 yards earlier instead of try to get those extra 3 yards,” McCarthy said.
“Little decisions when I have the ball in my hand in open space to get down and protect myself more. That’s going to be something I’m definitely going to work on.”
Whenever McCarthy returns for the Vikings, he is aiming to be as prepared as possible.
