Derek Barnett Not Worth Lions Placing Waiver Claim

Defensive end Derek Barnett was released by Eagles.

Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett is now available for NFL teams to place waiver claims on, as the NFC East powerhouse decided to release the talented defensive lineman. 

Many supporters of the Detroit Lions are clamoring for general manager Brad Holmes to attempt to acquire the veteran defensive lineman, due to the team's significant struggles sacking the quarterback. 

Based on his recent play, it is not reasonable to expect the ex-Eagles defensive end to come in and contribute for the Lions. 

Barnett, 27, tore his ACL to begin the 2022 NFL season against the Lions. 

This season, the veteran has only played 99 snaps with zero quarterback pressures. 

Barnett only recorded two sacks during the 2021 season, the last year he played a complete NFL season. 

If the team decides to bring him in, information can be gleamed regarding how the Eagles' defense has been successful the past couple of seasons. 

Recall, the Lions signed veteran Bruce Irvin, who is awaiting his first opportunity to suit up with his new team. 

Lions Sloppy Play Could Derail Playoff Hopes

Head coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence his defense can still improve and correct issues plaguing the defensive line's ability to rush the quarterback. 

“Same guys we’ve had here, and we’ve been able to generate pressure. So, this unit’s going to be just fine. We’re going to get going and we pressured a little bit more today, played a little tight, but these are our guys, man. And these guys can do it and they’ve done it," said Campbell postgame, following the Lions Thanksgiving loss to the Packers. "That same thing we just faced there, we went out to Green Bay, and we were able to create pressure. We weren’t able to do it today. 

"When we come back, everybody’s going to be challenged, as well as myself. I already feel challenged. And this is how we should want it," Campbell explained further. "You should want to know that everybody’s going to give you their best shot and they’re coming in and you better be ready to go and you’ve got to play clean football. We just have to. And everything’s got to start with the turnovers. We can’t turn the ball over and we’ve got to find a way to get takeaways. Let’s start there and then we’ll figure the rest out.”