Derek Barnett is finally healthy for the first time in his career and now the former Tennessee Volunteers star is looking to put together the type of season that could earn him a huge free agent payout.
In preparation for the 2020 NFL season, Barnett has been working out with a familiar name for Eagles fans, training with the legendary Jim Washburn. Washburn spent time with the Eagles during his coaching career and was sought out by Barnett to help the talented defensive end take the next step as a player.
As Washburn told Mike Kaye of NJ.com, Barnett is working to validate the Eagles using a first-round pick on him.
“He wants to prove that he was worth that pick,” Washburn told NJ Advance Media in a phone interview on Thursday. “I believe he will. He’s just got to stay healthy.”
“He’s one of the finest young people that I’ve ever been around in my whole life, ever,” Washburn said. “He never makes an excuse. I’d say ‘I hurt your feelings, didn’t I?’ and he’d say ‘Wash, you’re not going to hurt my feelings. Say anything to me because you’re not going to hurt my feelings.’”
Barnett had his fifth-year option picked up by the Eagles after a 2019 season that saw him appear in 14 games and record 6.5 sacks, 30 total tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, 22 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles.
He’ll need to improve on those numbers for the Eagles if he wants to lead the youth resurgence and land that big contract.
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