Krys Barnes, a veteran linebacker, joined the Carolina Panthers midway through training camp to provide depth after the team lost incumbent starter Josey Jewell at the start of camp. Since his arrival, Barnes has been active in practices and preseason games, primarily working with the second and third defensive units behind Christian Rozeboom and Trevin Wallace.
When Wallace was unavailable for practice against the Texans due to a personal matter, Barnes received additional reps. He made several notable plays during that session, including an interception of Davis Mills during a team drill.
Barnes began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers in 2020. Initially waived and placed on the practice squad, he was activated before Week 2 and named a starter. By the end of his rookie season, he had played in 13 games, started 10 times, and finished second on the team in total tackles with 80.
Reflecting on his early experience playing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Barnes said: “I think it helped tremendously. I think for my career, honestly, and I think COVID was honestly kind of a help to that, to be honest.
“I might be one of the few to say that it was a positive, just from the standpoint of it being like there was no fans, there was none of that outside noise, so the games were more so—you (can) have that distraction or that extra elements where it could distract you. So it allowed me to be more so focused, and it’s allowed me to do my job.”
Barnes spent three years in Green Bay before signing with Arizona. His opportunities as a starting middle linebacker were reduced when Arizona added Mack Wilson in 2024. However, Barnes said those two years helped him develop both instinctual play and maturity.
“I think that’s what helped me stay around so long, is my intellect,” said Barnes. “I think I do a good job of taking notes, asking the right questions, have a good understanding of the defense… but it helps me out when I know not just my job but the guy to the left of me…the D-line, the DBs.”
Since joining Carolina earlier this month, coaches have assigned Barnes to wear the green dot—responsible for calling defensive plays—during practices and all three preseason games. He played significant snaps in each game: 29 (42%), 32 (47%), and 24 (49%).
Head coach Dave Canales commented: “A really good demeanor, you know, he’s a guy who’s called this defense before. It’s very similar to what he’s done before, but there are nuances… But I think just being able to stand in front of the huddle, communicate it well…and then just running and hitting…so I’m glad he had the opportunity to come here.”
Linebacker Jon Rhattigan added: “He’s done great because he’s experienced with the green dot and he’s played in a similar system…he’s certainly done a good job and like I said, he’s a veteran in this league…”
Calling plays is considered valuable by coaches since it involves not only relaying information but also ensuring teammates are positioned correctly on every play.
“(Calling plays) it feels…like home to me,” shared Barnes. “I want them to see that I’m able to command the defense…ultimately just show them that they can trust me whenever I’m out there on the field…”
The Panthers must reduce their roster to 53 players by Tuesday afternoon as part of setting their initial lineup for the season—a process required by all NFL teams each year https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-roster-cuts-2024-team-by-team-tracker-of-all-32-initial-53-man-rosters.
“It’s a lot kind of going on right now,” said Barnes. “But I think when things start to slow down a little bit—God willing I’m here after this weekend—we’ll start to figure out how dominoes fall—I think things are coming together…”
