Zaire Barnes: Everything you need to know

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.

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.

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.