The bond between Detroit Lions players was on display this week as several celebrated their teammate's birthday, and one of them was star running back Jahmyr Gibbs.

Having signed an extension worth $24 million last season, linebacker Derrick Barnes celebrated his birthday on May 29. The Detroit Lions posted a video compilation on their official Instagram account. The video featured highlights of the 27-year-old linebacker.

The caption read, “Cakes and candles to our guy D-Barnes.” The post was then shared by Jahmyr Gibbs on his personal Instagram account’s story.

Since arriving as a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Barnes has steadily developed into a critical contributor on defense. Last season, he finished with four sacks and one interception, becoming the first Lions linebacker since 2002 to do so.

Barnes has recorded 283 combined tackles, eight sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble in 68 career regular-season games.

He was instrumental in the Lions’ 2023 run to the Conference Finals. He recorded his first career interception during the Divisional Round win over the Buccaneers.

After missing almost the entirety of the 2024 season due to a right knee injury, Barnes had a resurgent 2025 season.

As per the Lions Wire, the team seems confident in Barnes, as they extended his contract by three years. This includes guaranteed $16 million of the $24 million contract, rather than a shorter one.

Gibbs Expected To Stay In Detroit With Huge New Contract

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Gibbs is expected to receive $20 million or more on a potential extension of his rookie contract.  "They want to do it," Fowler said about the possible extension. "There's not a lot of progress yet. It's going to take some time."

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Adam Schefter had previously reported, as per Bleacher Report, that he thinks the Lions will extend Gibbs “at some point this summer.”

Like Bijan Robinson (RB), Jahmyr Gibbs (RB) is still under contract through 2027 after the Lions exercised his fifth-year option.

Gibbs delivered another big season in 2025, starting all 17 games and racking up 1,223 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 243 carries. He was also heavily involved as a receiver, finishing with 77 catches for 616 yards and five touchdowns.

Sam LaPorta (TE) is another Lions player eligible for an extension. He appeared in just nine games in 2025 before undergoing season-ending back surgery.

The Lions' focus will be on the 2026 season. They will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing season and make a run for the Super Bowl.

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Rudra Dubey