The Carolina Panthers addressed their evolving linebacker scenario on Sunday with a strategic addition geared toward bolstering depth and expertise.
Following Fan Fest at Financial institution of America Stadium, the workforce introduced the signing of veteran Krys Barnes, bringing in a participant who has constructed his NFL profession on adaptability and constant manufacturing.
Barnes enters his sixth NFL season after spending time with each the Inexperienced Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals.
Panthers make a change at linebackerhttps://t.co/hwFDZtVISB
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 3, 2025
The UCLA product went undrafted in 2020 however shortly carved out a task in Inexperienced Bay’s protection. He recorded 161 tackles whereas beginning 23 of 29 video games throughout his first two seasons with the Packers.
His position diminished in 2022 earlier than shifting to Arizona, the place he spent the previous two years primarily contributing on particular groups.
Barnes logged 509 whole snaps for the Cardinals in 2024, with 304 of these approaching particular groups protection items.
The signing comes as Carolina works to reshape its linebacker room following important departures.
The Panthers launched longtime starter Shaq Thompson and veteran Josey Jewell earlier this offseason, leaving Christian Rozeboom as a projected starter and creating depth questions throughout the place.
To create roster house for Barnes, Carolina waived rookie linebacker Tuasivi Nomura.
The undrafted Fresno State product had been with the workforce since spring exercises however grew to become a casualty of the roster shuffle.
Barnes brings versatility that ought to assist Carolina in a number of areas.
His expertise in several defensive techniques and confirmed special-teams worth make him a pure match for what the Panthers want.
The transfer represents a calculated gamble on a participant trying to reestablish his defensive position whereas offering Carolina with skilled depth at minimal threat.
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