Derek Barnett

Eagles exercise Derek Barnett's fifth-year option for 2021

The Philadelphia Eagles have exercised former 2017 first-rounder Derek Barnett's fifth-year team option for the 2021 season.

What It Means:

Barnett's primary issue since entering the league has been health, as the former first-rounder has missed 10 regular season games in 2018 and 2 more in 2019. However, he hasn't been a total liability when has been on the field, so the Eagles should be excited to see his progression during the 2020 season.

Barnett totaled 5 tackles for a loss and 11 quarterback hurries in his injury-shortened 6-game 2018 season, but his play fell off in 2019, grading out as PFF's 83rd-ranked edge defender for the season. Despite a rocky start to his career, Barnett was a three-year standout in the SEC with the Tennessee Volunteers, so Eagles fans should be happy to see the team keep him around as he continues to develop.