Best Eagles free-agents, contingency plans following Derek Barnett injury

Unfortunately, the news isn’t good. Following a third-quarter exit, one he wouldn’t return from during Week 1’s game, an MRI reveals some bad news for the Philadelphia Eagles defense about the first significant injury of the regular season.

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, sixth-year defensive end Derek Barnett has suffered a torn ACL. It appears as though that will end his season after a single game. The news isn’t great as the defensive line was supposed to be one of the Eagles’ strengths, but they were unable to generate consistent pressure versus a Lions offensive line that was down a few starters.

Philly’s first sack came late in the second half, one that unfortunately was more the result of a bad snap than anything Jonathan Gannon’s defense had drawn up. Barnett has taken some criticism during his career, but he’ll be missed.

The Eagles now have three healthy defensive ends on the active roster: Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, and Tarron Jackson. The latter was a healthy scratch for Week 1. Matt Leo is the only defensive end on the practice squad. Let’s discuss some options following the news and ahead of next week’s home opener versus the Minnesota Vikings.