Lions $25 million decision listed among most head-scratching of offseason

The Detroit Lions are a team that has made smart, solid moves of late. As a result, the team has one of the best rosters in the league. 

In free agency this offseason, the Lions made some strong additions such as cornerbacks D.J. Reed and Avonte Maddox, defensive lineman Roy Lopez, and depth linebacker Grant Stuard. 

The team also re-signed defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike, linebacker Derrick Barnes, and edge-rusher Marcus Davenport, among others. However, the re-signing of Barnes isn't a move that was loved by everyone. 

Seth Trachtman of Yardbarker identifed the most head-scratching move that each NFL team made this offseason. For the Lions, Trachtman identified the re-signing of Barnes to a three-year, $25.5 million deal as the most questionable move. 

Regarding that move, Trachtman offered the following:

Despite a disappointing playoff finish, the Lions had to be more conscious of their spending this offseason. As such, the extension of linebacker depth in Barnes on a three-year deal with $16 million guaranteed is eye-opening. He had 81 tackles in 2023 but played only three games last season.

As Trachtman mentioned, Barnes only played in three games in 2024, so it was surprising to see the linebacker get the deal he got. 

However, in 2023, Barnes played in 16 games and collected 81 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble in what was a breakout year for him. 

Barnes entered the league in 2021 as a fourth-round selection out of Purdue. So far, the linebacker has played in 51 games over four seasons and collected a total of 205 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks, and four pass deflections. 

Barnes starts at the SAM linebacker spot, which is an important position on the Detroit defense. However, Barnes has never been exceptionally great at any aspect, and it's not hard to imagine that money being spent better elsewhere. 

For example, the Lions could have added a pass-rusher or two with the money that went to Barnes. Aidan Hutchinson is an elite edge-rusher, but the Michigan product doesn't have much help on the roster, especially with Za'Darius Smith no longer on the team.

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