Technically, before free agency started in March, the Detroit Lions re-signed linebacker Derrick Barnes to a three-year, $24 million contract with $16 million guaranteed. Coming off a major knee injury early last season, it was a notable deal even as Barnes confirmed he'd be ready in plenty of time for the offseason program.
Some might say it was a bad overpay by the Lions, but there was likely some notable competition for Barnes' services had he gotten to the open market.
Through three games this season, Barnes is back as an underrated part of the Lions' success defensively. In Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens, he had seven total tackles with a sack and three quarterback pressures. He has lined up everywhere for defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, from outside linebacker to slot corner to defensive tackle, while playing a career-best 83 percent of the defensive snaps thus far.
Derrick Barnes has one person to most thank for contract Lions gave him
This past week, Barnes and Sheppard both referred to having a relationship that is more like a brotherhood. The two have been working together in the linebacker room for the last four-plus seasons, and Barnes told Kory Woods of MLive the first call he made after he signed his contract was to Sheppard.
"He was ecstatic, man. He was super excited,” Barnes said. “We talked for about an hour about it, and we jumped right into what the defense was going to look like. I was super excited, and he was a huge part of why I wanted to be back here. Obviously (I’m back) because of Brad (Holmes), Dan (Campbell), my teammates, everybody. But Shep is a big, big, big part of that.”
During his media availability heading into the Week 4 game against the Cleveland Browns, Sheppard was asked what Barnes means to the defense.
"You ask (Lions general manager) Brad (Holmes) what he means to my defense," Sheppard said. "I said that was a player I had to have. I did. I told him 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, five spots on the football field and do it at a high level."
"He can play all three stack backer spots, he can play defensive end", Sheppard continued. "So when you're able to have a player like that, you see them out in the apex in 11-person personnel - which is really a nickel spot."
Sheppard's strong sentiment fell on the ears of someone who also valued Barnes highly, in general manager Brad Holmes. But it's also fair to assume the endorsement pushed the Lions' offer up a notch in terms of years, guaranteed money, etc. So Barnes can thank his mentor for that, as he also strives to prove the Lions right for investing in him the way they did.