The Giants re-signed Barnes on Saturday.
Barnes was a sixth-round draft pick of the Jets in 2023 but didn't play any defensive snaps for the team. He linked up with the Giants last year and saw action in 11 games, logging 93 defensive snaps and 168 special-teams snaps while notching 29 tackles (including 1.0 sacks). Most of Barnes' work on defense last year came in Weeks 12 and 13, and he even made a start against New England in that Week 13 game. He'll likely be competing for a depth linebacker role in 2026.
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Giants' Zaire Barnes: Leading tackler in loss
Rotowire
Barnes compiled 11 tackles (eight solo), including 1.0 sacks, during the Giants' loss to the Patriots on Monday.
Barnes benefited from increased playing time due to the team's injuries at linebacker and delivered his best outing of the campaign. His 13 tackles not only lead the team but also marked a new season high for the 26-year-old. Barnes also managed to record the first sack of his career.
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Jets' Zaire Barnes: Available for OTAs
Rotowire
Barnes (ankle) has been participating in OTAs.
Barnes sat out the entire 2024 campaign due to an ankle injury that landed him on injured reserve, but the 2023 sixth-round draft pick has recovered ahead of the 2025 campaign. Barnes appeared in four games as a rookie but played exclusively on special teams. He'll compete for a roster spot with the Jets in training camp.
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Jets' Zaire Barnes: Four tackles vs. Washington
Rotowire
Barnes (hamstring) recorded four tackles (two solo) in Saturday's 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets.
Barnes played 38 snaps (25 on defense, 13 on special teams) in Saturday's contest. He played 32 snaps -- all on special teams -- across four regular-season outings for the Jets last year, but he missed the end of the season due to a hamstring injury. The 2023 sixth-round pick is competing for a depth spot at outside linebacker behind starters Quincy Williams and Jermaine Johnson.
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Jets' Zaire Barnes: Added to injury report
Rotowire
Barnes (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.
The depth linebacker has yet to play a defensive snap in 2023. Barnes has played 32 snaps on special teams but does not have any tackles on the season.
