Report: Detroit Lions looking to trade veteran LB, opening door for former Purdue star
The Detroit Lions are reportedly looking to trade veteran linebacker Jamie Collins, a move that is expected to open the door for a rookie out of Purdue.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Lions are looking to move Collins and will play young guys at linebacker moving forward. That is expected to open the door for rookie Derrick Barnes, Detroit’s fourth-round draft pick this year.
Rapoport is reporting that Barnes is set to see his most extensive defensive action of the season during Week 3 in the NFL:
Rookie LB Derrick Barnes has impressed and he’s set for his most extensive action on D this week. That comes at the expense of Collins, who has been the focus of trade calls. https://t.co/DEZffpd05O
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 22, 2021
Barnes has already seen the field but has yet to see extended action this season. He played 9% of defensive snaps in Detroit’s Week 1 loss but was not on the field for defensive plays in a Week 2 loss to Green Bay. Barnes has seen a number of special teams snaps, and he has 2 tackles thus far.
Here’s a snapshot of what Lions head coach Dan Campbell had to say at his weekly press conference about Barnes getting a shot:
Dan Campbell on the LB play and the potential of playing Derrick Barnes. pic.twitter.com/tLFZlSJSZr
— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) September 21, 2021