The Detroit Lions had so many injuries play out in 2024 that it’s easy to see how fans lost track of who was in and out. One of the top names that didn’t see much of the field was Derrick Barnes.

After a solid 2023 season which saw him snag one of the most memorable interceptions in Lions history, Barnes played the first three games of the year, then went down with a knee injury which ended his season.

Timing was poor for Barnes, who had endured ups and downs in his career and came out the other side significantly. 2024 was going to be the year Barnes put everything together and became an elite statistical force, but injury derailed this progress. It was a frustrating development.

This season, Barnes is excited to get back to where he was early last year. Rather than proving anything to fans, media or teammates, he is looking to prove everything to himself as he makes his comeback after adversity.

“Last year was the first year where I felt like everything was coming together for me. The game slowed down. I was at my healthiest before my knee. I felt my strongest, felt my fastest. It’s really time to start off where I left. I’m just super excited to be back out here. I’m blessed to be able to see this field again. I’m just ready to go and it’s a lot more for me to prove (it) to myself. I don’t care about proving to anybody else but myself, so that’s my main focus this year.”

There’s no question that Barnes can get back to where he was, and his return comes at a fantastic time for the defense given their need at his position.

Derrick Barnes loves chemistry within Lions’ linebacker room

If the Lions have success on defense, strong linebacker play will be a reason why. The defense needs help in the second level, and Campbell has evolved into a stud in the making. Anzalone is a solid veteran leader, and in Zach Cunningham, Detroit added another successful veteran.

Barnes represents a missing link given he didn’t see the field last season and is strong across the board. He knows the development the Lions have enjoyed together means a great deal toward helping the defense in 2025.

“The chemistry we have is insane. It’s kind of weird, because we always know what we’re thinking on the field. While Alex (Anzalone) is out right now, Jack (Campbell) and I literally after a play look at each other and be like, ‘You see that?’ We’re like, ‘Yeah, I see.’ It’s weird. The same thing goes when Alex is here, we’re always on. Even the other guys in the room, we all have built a strong bond. Most of the guys in the room are out there with at least two to three years plus (experience). It’s amazing to have a room like that. Guys who are striving to get better. We compete not only with each other, but on the field because everybody’s trying to get better.”

Barnes will be amongst the hungriest players this season given what was taken away from him last year. It’s clear he is motivated to continue on the positive trajectory that he had seen before injury.