Top 5 extensions Philadelphia Eagles shouldn’t rush to get done
54. . . . Derek Barnett. 2. player
Is this finally the year for Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett?
It’s almost maddening that Derek Barnett is entering his fourth season as a professional, yet he still keeps finding his way onto lists like this one. We should be talking about him being one of the game’s best based on where he was drafted, but instead, we’re still asking questions about his ability.
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We still don’t know whether or not he’s going to be great or if he should be in the Eagles plans for the future. What’s sad is, right now, it doesn’t look like he should be.
It’s hard not to think about Barnett without also thinking of Brandon Graham. Both were drafted in Round 1. Both got off to slow starts to begin their careers, but Graham, though he’s never been elected to one, has played at a Pro Bowl level over the back half of his career. His 2020 season might be his last season in Philly. What was supposed to happen was Barnett stepping into the leadership role. Instead, we’re still asking questions like whether or not exercising his fifth-year option was wise.
The Eagles moved on from both Michael Bennett and Chris Long with the hope that Barnett would be “the guy”. In both cases, they may have given up on the vets a year too early. Another NFL season is upon us. More stories circulate about Barnett’s potential breakout season. It would be nice if it actually happens this time. He’s in the fold for both the 2020 and 2021 season, but there’s no reason to rush towards an extension if Barnett never shows he’s holding up his end of the deal.