Derrick Barnes got what landed as an eye-opening contract from the Lions in March, and he has one person to thank for that the most.
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.