Derek Barnett

Career StatsD+

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		111	34.0	216	41
2025		17	5.0	21	5
2024		16	5.0	26	2
2023		14	2.5

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Derek Barnett's $4M one-year deal represents a slight overpay for what amounts to rotational production, earning a C- CVI grade that reflects limited upside relative to cost. While $4M AAV sits in that awkward middle tier where teams expect more than spot duty, Barnett profiles as a rotational player whose impact comes in spurts rather than as a consistent weekly contributor. At 27, he's theoretically in his prime years, but his career arc suggests he's plateaued as a complementary piece rather than evolving into the impact rusher Philadelphia initially envisioned when they drafted him. The structure does offer some protection with only $1.5M guaranteed on a short-term commitment, allowing for a relatively clean exit if things don't work out. For a team needing depth, this isn't a backbreaking mistake, but it's the type of deal that reflects slight desperation in free agency — paying starter money for a player whose production suggests he's better suited as a rotational contributor who can provide occasional pass rush in specific packages.

Performance Analysis

Derek Barnett earns a D+ as a free agent defensive end, a former first-round pick whose career has been defined by the gap between potential and production. Barnett was a polished pass rusher at Tennessee who was expected to be a long-term starter in Philadelphia. He showed flashes of high-end production, but injuries and inconsistency prevented him from ever sustaining it. The free agent market reflects the league's view that Barnett's best years may be behind him. He can still provide spot pass-rush contributions, but the days of expecting him to be a franchise edge rusher are long gone.

Current Sentiment

Derek Barnett sits in that comfortable middle ground where NFL media views him as exactly what he appears to be — a steady veteran presence who won't wow anyone but won't disappoint either. The positive sentiment stems from his nine-year track record and 34 career sacks, creating a perception of reliability that multiple teams, including the Colts, find appealing for their defensive rotations. However, that same modest sack production relative to his tenure has prevented him from generating any real excitement, with analysts consistently framing him as a "complementary piece" rather than a difference-maker. The disconnect becomes apparent when you consider his D+ performance grade against his A- public perception — fans and media are grading him on veteran reliability and professionalism rather than actual on-field impact. For Barnett to shift the narrative upward, he'd need a breakout season with double-digit sacks to prove he's more than just a rotational contributor. Right now, public opinion sits in that sweet spot where he's viewed favorably enough to stay employed but not prominently enough to command premium attention or contracts.