In 2023, the Detroit Lions were vigilant during the season when a team tried to poach undrafted rookie and former Saginaw ...

has seen significant growth over each of his first four seasons and was Detroit's starting SAM linebacker. Barnes was one of a handful of pending free agents from general manager Brad Holmes ...

Barnes, the starter at SAM linebacker, agreed on Friday to a three-year extension. Others back in 2025 include Anthony Pittman and Ezekiel Turner, a couple of midseason acquisitions in 2024 who ...

And finally, if the Lions wish to continue using the SAM linebacker in a similar role, there isn’t a player on the current ...

Linebacker Derrick Barnes said it was an easy decision to re-sign with the Detroit Lions Monday instead of testing the ...

“The Bears are not tendering RFA linebacker Jack Sanborn, per source,” Fowler posted on X. “Their starting Sam linebacker the past two seasons also has seven starts as an MLB, when he had 71 ...

His return makes a ton of sense, based on his persistent growth under new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard and the team’s need for a reliable SAM linebacker. Barnes and Sheppard have also ...

It could make him a great fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker or a SAM in a 4-3. Walker recorded 60 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks this season while also defending a couple passes.

However, Derrick Barnes is set to be a free agent. Barnes plays SAM linebacker for the defense, and that position is not one that is easily filled due to the complexity of playing the spot.