RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesGiven the recent changes in the Detroit Lions ' linebacker room, Derrick Barnes will be a key figure for the 2026 season. Alex Anzalone departed in the offseason and rookie Jimmy Rolder will miss some time due to a recent hamstring injury .
According to Detroit Lions senior writer and insider Tim Twentyman , Barnes has been expanding his role on defense.
Through the first couple days of training camp, we've seen Barnes play an increased role in passing downs when the Lions are in nickel (five defensive backs and two linebackers). He had the biggest play for Detroit's defense during Thursday's practice when he stepped in front of and intercepted a Jared Goff pass intended for tight end Sam LaPorta in a team period. - Tim Twentyman, DetroitLions.com
"The way our defense is designed on that play, the position I'm playing, the job I'm doing on that specific play, it's kind of hard to see where I am in the coverage we're in and what my role is for the quarterback," Barnes said of last week's interception.
"I was kind of reading JG (Goff) a little bit, his eye progression, seeing a few routes coming across the field and I was like, 'Maybe I can just get in the window.' Really just did my job."
As Anzalone moves on to Tampa Bay , Barnes spent this offseason studying Anzalone's Detroit tape to try to replicate some of what Anzalone brought to the Lions' defense.
With linebacker Alex Anzalone signing with the Buccaneers in free agency this offseason, Barnes knows there's an opportunity to play in space on more passing downs. He's gone from a mostly on-ball SAM role to playing more of the WILL. He's studied a ton of film on Anzalone and his technique in the passing game this offseason. - Tim Twentyman, DetroitLions.com
"I'm super excited for the role and the challenge," Barnes said. "Got to come out here every day and earn it."
Barnes did briefly leave the field during Tuesday's practice, but he was not listed on the Lions' end-of-practice report . Barnes told Detroit News' Nolan Bianchi coming off the field that it was just a little bit of a knee injury and that he expects be fine.
Barnes had a very healthy 2025 season, playing in all 17 games. This was an excellent recovery from a major knee injury in 2024 - an MCL/PCL injury in his right knee that necessitated surgery. There is a good chance that in his second year back from this injury, Barnes will look even healthier and be even more productive.
The expanded role for Barnes may open up opportunity for him to make more game-changing plays like turnovers and sacks. In 2025, Barnes logged one interception and four sacks. With Barnes playing out in space more on passing downs, his interception numbers could increase. The Lions will be counting on him for these kinds of plays, especially given the uncertain status of star safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions LB Derrick Barnes hopeful to expand role in 2026 season
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