The Detroit Lions weren't able to go all the way in 2024, but the hope is that the franchise can stay on the right track and achieve a level of consistency when it comes to winning.
Whether or not the Lions' Super Bowl window is closed has become a major topic of conversation in recent months. Some analysts on the outside believe the Lions only have a few seasons left of contention before perhaps having to pivot to another retool.
In the locker room, though, players believe the opposite to be true. Linebacker Derrick Barnes re-signed this offseason and left no doubt that he believes the Super Bowl window remains firmly open for the Lions.
"100% (it's open). It never left. This is a winning program now. We've changed things. We've build a culture. Honestly, going to the playoffs is not going to be enough for us. We need to be in the dance. That's what it is. That's why we let the outsiders think what they want to think, but we know who we are. We know what we're capable of doing. That window is still open."
This season, a healthy Barnes will return to add punch to a defense that struggled down the stretch. Along with the solid addition of cornerback D.J. Reed, the Lions are taking steps to keep their roster in an elite place moving forward.
Derrick Barnes believes in Kelvin Sheppard as Detroit Lions' defensive coordinator
This offseason, Barnes' former position coach was promoted to defensive coordinator in a move that has been well received for the franchise. Sheppard has a bright future in the league, and Barnes admitted his elevated presence on the coaching staff was a big reason he wanted to return to the Lions when given the opportunity.
"You all know we've seen that coming with him. Passionate about the game. Loves the game. Loves the players. Cares about the players. That's one of the most important things. The best thing about him is how passionate he is about getting players better and putting them in the right position to be successful. That was a big part of my decision of coming back to Detroit.
"He is a guy that anybody (would) want to play for. Being the DC, I'm pretty sure every guy here is going to buy into what he wants. He's super passionate about what he does. He loves the game. Why not go play for a coach like that? He has those characteristics of Dan (Campbell).
"We see how Dan is on the field and the way he loves the players and can put his player hat on when he wants to (and) needs to especially. I think that (Kelvin) Sheppard does the same thing. I'm just surrounded by a good group of coaches, great group of guys and there's no way I would want that anywhere else."
Barnes will continue his career with Sheppard, and if the Lions have the kind of success that everyone hopes, it will be due in large part to the faith that the players, coaches and staff have fostered from within. Even amid a disappointing finish to last season, that belief is clearly not wavering for 2025.
