Former Purdue LB Derrick Barnes Signs Rookie Contract With the Detroit Lions
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Former Purdue linebacker and fourth-round NFL Draft selection Derrick Barnes officially signed his rookie contract on Thursday. He was the fifth member of the Detroit Lions' 2021 draft class to sign a deal.
The Lions made the signing official in a tweet below.
🖊 to 📄 #OnePride pic.twitter.com/bTeAcblrvH
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 18, 2021
Barnes' rookie deal is worth $4.26 million over four years, including a signing bonus of about $780,000, according to Spotrac. The versatile linebacker will attempt to earn playing time on defense and on special teams.
The Lions also signed second-round pick Levi Onwuzurike and fellow four-round selection Amon-Ra St. Brown. Only third-round cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu remains unsigned.
Related Stories
- RONDALE MOORE'S ROOKIE DEAL: When former Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore signed his rookie contract, the deal was worth $6.9 million over four years, including a $2.9 million signing bonus. CLICK HERE
- KARLAFTIS ON THE LOTT IMPACT WATCH LIST: As George Karlaftis enters his junior season at Purdue, he's receiving recognition by being named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List. He appeared in just three games for the Boilermakers last season, but recorded 54 tackles as a freshman in 2019. CLICK HERE
- BROHM ANNOUNCES DEFENSIVE STAFF STRUCTURE: The Purdue football program will have three co-defensive coordinators for the 2021 season. Coach Jeff Brohm announced the full structure of the defensive staff Wednesday and confirmed that Brad Lambert will be the play-caller. CLICK HERE
Become Part of the Boilermakers Country Community!
- Follow D.J. Fezler on Twitter: @DJFezler
- Follow BoilermakersCountry on Twitter: @sports_purdue
- Like and follow BoilermakersCountry on Facebook
D.J. Fezler is a staff writer for BoilermakersCountry.com. Hailing from The Region, he is from Cedar Lake in Northwest Indiana and has spent the last two years covering Purdue football and basketball.