Derrick Barnes

Derrick Barnes enters Year 6 at age 26 as the primary linebacker for the Detroit Lions, ranked #134 at the position in Verdict’s dynasty score (20.0, stable trend). He logged 87.3% defensive snaps in 2025 on a stable trend, producing 40 solo tackles, 6 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PD, and 0 FF. The 240-pound Purdue product is a volume-based LB2 profile with a 2025 snap share of 87.3%.

Barnes’ 87.3% defensive snap share in 2025, along with his 40 solo tackles and 4 sacks, supports a volume-based LB2 profile. The McVay-tree principles under John Morton’s OC duties emphasize strong run-game identity, which should maintain Barnes’ defensive snap share. His 2025 baseline — 40 solo tackles, 6 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PD, and 0 FF — shows a tackle-first profile that scales in custom scoring where sacks and tackles for loss pay +3.

Barnes carried full participation in practice in Week 4 of 2025, indicating minimal injury risk. His 240-pound frame and 6 TFL, 4 sacks production suggest a tackle-first profile that should resist injury concerns.

Barnes logged 87.3% defensive snaps in 2025 on a stable trend, with weekly marks ranging from 73.0% to 100.0%. The Lions’ 4-3 zone-heavy scheme under Kelvin Sheppard’s DC duties should maintain Barnes’ defensive snap share. No LB2 threat exists on the depth chart.

The Lions’ 4-3 zone-heavy scheme under Kelvin Sheppard’s DC duties emphasizes strong run-game identity, which suits Barnes’ tackle-first profile. His 6 TFL, 4 sacks production and 87.3% defensive snap share in 2025 reflect his role as a high-usage LB2 in a zone-heavy scheme.

Stable Barnes’ 87.3% defensive snap share in 2025, coupled with stable trends in snap count, suggests a consistent volume floor for the Lions’ primary linebacker.

Ceiling tracks near 2025’s 40-solo-tackle, 6-TFL, 4-sack baseline given locked 87.3% defensive snap share. A mid-season injury or significant snap share reduction is the only realistic path to meaningful regression below that line.