Linebacker Krys Barnes has landed a new NFL opportunity, signing with the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, as confirmed by the team.
Barnes began his career with the Green Bay Packers, where he started his first two seasons and recorded 80 tackles each year.
His role diminished in 2022 due to injuries, limiting him to just six games, and he departed the team afterward.
He spent the past two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, contributing mainly on special teams, where he logged 513 snaps.
At 27, Barnes now joins a Panthers squad that’s seen major changes at linebacker.
The team parted ways with longtime veteran Shaq Thompson and more recently released Josey Jewell, who’s dealing with a concussion.
These departures have left Carolina thin on experience at the position.
Christian Rozeboom, a recent free-agent signing, is expected to take on a starting role, while Barnes is likely to contribute heavily on special teams—but his 30 career starts make him a potential defensive option if needed.
To make room for Barnes, the Panthers waived linebacker Tuasivi Nomura, an undrafted rookie from Fresno State who spent the offseason and part of training camp with the team.
If unclaimed, Nomura will become a free agent.
