It’s a Make-or-Break Year for Derek Barnett
Now coming into his 4th year as a pro, and second year as a starter, Derek Barnett needs to put up some serious number in 2020 to get extended with the Eagles.
This is his penultimate year on his current rookie contract, on which the 5th-year option has been exercised.
If Barnett wants to raise his value for contract negotiations, a 10 sack season this year is a must.
Photo: AP Photo/Brad Penner
In his draft class, two DE’s (Myles Garrett and Solomon Thomas) were taken before Barnett and 19 total edge rushers were selected. Amongst those 19, Barnett ranks 4th in sacks (14.0) and 2nd in QB Hits (49) as well as tackles for loss (23). Amongst all Eagles D-linemen since 2017, Barnett has ranked 3rd in sacks, and 2nd in QB Hits and tackles for loss.
His stats may not be bad enough to call him a bust, but as a former 14th overall pick, he is due for a breakout season. Considering the fact that Josh Sweat had 4 sacks himself despite not starting, Barnett needs to step up and separate himself from the competition.
Barnett’s sloppiness hasn’t helped his case either. Just last year, Barnett had 4 roughing the passer/unnecessary roughness calls go against him. He had 9 total calls go against him, the most against any Eagle defensive player.
Despite the underwhelming stats, there is optimism to be found; Barnett’s stats have consistently improved with the turning of each year. From his 5.0 sack rookie campaign, he was on pace to do better the year after before an injury cut his season short. Then, last year, he had his best season, with 6.5 sacks.
We could very well see a 10 sack season from the man who once broke Reggie White’s college sack record at Tennessee.
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Categorized:Eagles