Derrick Barnes says he'll be ready for Lions' offseason program

A major injury in a contract year is never ideal, but that's what happened to Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes when he suffered a torn MCL and PCL in his right knee after being cut blocked in Week 3 last season against the Arizona Cardinals. He missed the rest of the season, and never appeared all that close to returning despite being back around the team. The Lions showed their confidence in Barnes' return to health by signing him to a three-year, $25.5 million deal with $16 million guaranteed and a $6.32 million signing bonus before free agency started. He has become a key, versatile piece of the defense, filling the SAM linebacker role very capably while lining up all over the field before his injury shortened his 2024 season dramatically. The Lions officially announced the signing of Barnes on Monday morning. He also spoke to reporters, as he becomes the fourth player from the first draft class of the Brad Holmes-Dan Campbell regime in 2021 to get a contract extension (joining Penei Sewell, Amon-R