The Detroit Lions’ defense, a unit that showed flashes of brilliance but also significant vulnerabilities in their remarkable 2024 season, is poised for a new look and a renewed identity in 2025. A key factor in this evolution is the return of linebacker Derrick Barnes, who signed a three-year, $25.5 million extension with the team in March 2025. Barnes’s return, coupled with other strategic free agent signings, a new defensive coordinator in Kelvin Sheppard, and key draft picks, paints a comprehensive picture of what the Lions’ defense aims to achieve.
Barnes’s importance to the Lions’ defense cannot be overstated. He missed all but the first three games of the 2024 season due to a PCL and MCL tear in his right knee, an injury that significantly impacted the team’s linebacker depth and overall defensive cohesion. Prior to his injury, Barnes was establishing himself as a vital piece in the Lions’ aggressive, downhill defensive scheme. He’s an ideal fit for the SAM (strongside) linebacker role, capable of rushing the passer, dropping into coverage, and excelling against the run. His memorable interception against Baker Mayfield in the 2024 Divisional Round playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which sealed the victory and sent the Lions to the NFC Championship Game, served as a stark reminder of his game-changing potential. His decision to re-sign was driven by a desire to be part of what he calls a “winning program” with “unfinished business.”
With Barnes back in the lineup, the Lions’ linebacker corps immediately gains a significant boost in experience, physicality, and versatility. The projected starting lineup for the linebackers in 2025 will likely feature Derrick Barnes at SAM, Jack Campbell at MLB (middle linebacker), and Alex Anzalone at WILL (weakside linebacker).
- Derrick Barnes (SAM): Barnes’s return provides a more robust presence on the strong side, particularly effective in run support and setting the edge against outside runs. His ability to blitz and pressure the quarterback from various alignments is also a valuable asset. His energy and physicality align perfectly with the “kneecap-biting” mentality Dan Campbell champions.
- Jack Campbell (MLB): As a former first-round pick, Campbell made strides in his rookie season but is expected to take another leap in 2025. With Barnes’s return, Campbell can settle more firmly into his role as the primary communicator and tackle leader in the middle. His size and instincts make him a formidable force against the run, and the Lions will look for continued improvement in his coverage skills.
- Alex Anzalone (WILL): Anzalone, the veteran leader of the group, provides stability and intelligence. He excels in diagnosing plays and is often responsible for relaying calls. His experience is invaluable, especially with a new defensive coordinator.
The depth behind these three is also crucial. Malcolm Rodriguez, a fan favorite due to his tenacious play, provides excellent backup at both inside linebacker spots. Grant Stuard, signed in free agency, brings a special teams ace and capable depth. Ezekiel Turner, also re-signed, adds further depth to the group. This healthy and experienced linebacker unit, now with Barnes fully recovered, should allow new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard to be more aggressive and creative with his schemes.
The most significant change on the defensive side of the ball is the promotion of Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator, replacing Aaron Glenn who departed for the Jets. Sheppard, who previously served as the Lions’ linebackers coach, is a familiar face to the players and coaching staff. His philosophy, as described by himself and Coach Campbell, emphasizes versatility and getting the best players in positions to succeed. While he values players who can do multiple things, he also cautions against having too many “jacks of all trades” if they don’t excel at one particular thing. This suggests a more refined, potentially more specialized approach to player deployment within a versatile scheme.
Sheppard’s experience working closely with the linebackers, including Barnes, means he has a deep understanding of their strengths and how to best utilize them. He reportedly had a hand in the Lions’ first and second-down game planning under Glenn, indicating a readiness for the DC role. His philosophy aligns with Dan Campbell’s desire for a physical, attacking defense that stops the run and generates pressure.
The defensive line underwent significant changes, both in free agency and the draft, which will directly impact how the linebackers play and how the defense functions overall.
- Interior Defensive Line: The Lions signed DJ Reader in free agency, a massive run-stuffing nose tackle who instantly elevates their interior presence. Reader’s ability to command double teams will free up linebackers like Campbell and Barnes to flow to the ball and make plays. Alongside him, Alim McNeill (recovering from a torn ACL in 2024 but expected back) and first-round draft pick Tyleik Williams (Ohio State) form a formidable rotation. Williams is an elite run-stopper with disruptive potential, fitting the Lions’ desire for stout play in the trenches. Roy Lopez was also added for depth at nose tackle.
- Edge Rushers: Aidan Hutchinson remains the undisputed cornerstone of the pass rush. His continued development will be paramount. The Lions signed Marcus Davenport to a one-year deal, a high-upside veteran who, if healthy, can provide a significant boost opposite Hutchinson. Josh Paschal will also be a key rotational piece. Sixth-round pick Ahmed Hassanein (Boise State) is a developmental edge rusher who adds depth and a high-effort motor. The combination of a strong interior and improved edge rush should lead to more hurries and sacks, easing pressure on the secondary.
The Lions’ pass defense was a significant concern in 2024, ranking dead-last in the NFC. Addressing this was a top priority in the offseason.
- Cornerback: The signing of D.J. Reed (from the Jets) to a three-year, $48 million deal is a major upgrade. Reed is expected to start opposite Terrion Arnold, who showed promise in his rookie season. The Lions also brought in veteran Avonte Maddox on a one-year deal, providing valuable slot corner experience and depth. Amik Robertson and rookie Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (if hypothetically drafted in a later round based on a speculative prior prompt, though he was not in the 2025 mock draft provided in previous responses) will also compete for snaps. This group aims to be much more consistent and sticky in coverage.
- Safety: The Lions boast one of the best safety duos in the league with Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Joseph led the league in interceptions in 2024 and is a true ball hawk, while Branch is a versatile defensive back capable of playing strong safety, nickel corner, and even some linebacker. Their chemistry and playmaking ability will be critical to the defense’s success. Seventh-round pick Dan Jackson (Georgia) adds depth and special teams value.
With Derrick Barnes back in the lineup and a series of strategic offseason moves, the Lions’ defense in 2025 will look more balanced, deeper, and potentially more disruptive.
- Improved Run Defense: The combination of a healthy Barnes, the addition of DJ Reader, and the continued development of Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams gives the Lions a formidable interior defensive line. This will make them much harder to run against, setting the tone for the entire defense. Barnes’s presence on the strong side also significantly aids in containing outside runs.
- Enhanced Pass Rush: While Aidan Hutchinson remains the primary catalyst, the additions of Marcus Davenport and the development of younger edge rushers should provide more consistent pressure. This, coupled with the interior push from the defensive tackles, should reduce the time opposing quarterbacks have to throw.
- Better Coverage: The upgraded cornerback talent with D.J. Reed and Avonte Maddox, combined with the continued growth of Terrion Arnold, aims to shore up the secondary. With Joseph and Branch patrolling the back end, the Lions hope to force more turnovers and limit big plays through the air.
- Versatility and Aggression: Kelvin Sheppard’s philosophy, emphasizing versatility and adapting to personnel, suggests a scheme that will be aggressive and aim to create confusion for offenses. Barnes’s ability to play various roles within the linebacker unit facilitates this flexibility.
The return of Derrick Barnes is more than just getting a player back; it’s about restoring a key piece of the defensive puzzle that allows other pieces to fit more effectively. His tenacity, versatility, and leadership will be invaluable for Kelvin Sheppard as he looks to elevate the Lions’ defense from a promising unit to a consistently dominant force in the NFL. The stage is set for a significant defensive improvement in Detroit.
