Last season in the NFL, the Detroit Lions were major contenders, even making it to the final stages. However, a tough loss to the Commanders kept them from going even further. For this reason, they plan to surround Jared Goff in the best possible way and have secured the continuity of several players on defense to improve on last yearâs results.
First and foremost, former Saints and Vikings player Marcus Davenport has reached an agreement to continue with the franchise and will remain a Lion for the upcoming season. The defensive end missed nearly the entire last season due to a serious triceps injury sustained during Week 2.
The news was reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, who, through his official X (formerly Twitter) account, provided more details about the edge rusherâs continuity under the guidance of Dan Campbell.
âSource: The #Lions are bringing back edge rusher Marcus Davenport on a 1-year deal worth up to $4.75M. After injuries robbed him of most of last year, Detroit takes another shot to run it back,â the insider reported via @RapSheet.
Marcus Davenport #92 of the New Orleans Saints looks on before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on October 25, 2021 in Seattle, Washington.
The string of tough injuries suffered by Davenport in recent years has created uncertainty about how he will perform moving forward. The defensive end is aiming for a comeback, and Detroit is offering him a vote of confidence.
A key linebacker stays in Detroit
Itâs often said that, to start a new season, the first reinforcement can be retaining key players. In this case, Dan Campbellâs Lions secured a key teammate for Jared Goff ahead of the 2025 NFL season, and theyâre aiming to replicate last seasonâs success.
Derrick Barnes, one of the most experienced linebackers in Detroit, has agreed to continue with the franchise and will remain with the Lions for three more years.
âLions agree to 3-year $25.5M extension for linebacker Derrick Barnes. 16 million of the contract is fully guaranteed at signing,â it was reported through @AllLionsFN.
Derrick Barnes #55 of the Detroit Lions takes the field prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 07, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.
Ezequiel Turner, another player staying with the Lions
Barnes isnât the only linebacker to secure his continuity in Detroit. Joining him is Ezequiel Turner, perhaps with a lesser impact during games, but potentially a key player for the team.
The former Cardinals and Texans player, joined the Lionsâ practice squad on November 6, and just three days later, the team elevated him to the active roster. He participated in 111 defensive snaps and 176 special teams plays across nine games with Detroit.
Turner agreed to a one-year extension, according to his agents, giving Dan Campbell a wider range of options when shaping his main roster.
