Overview
- The Cleveland Browns signed linebacker Krys Barnes to their practice squad and placed Nathaniel Watson on practice-squad/injured, a transaction announced by the team on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
- Cleveland’s release lists Barnes at 6-2 and 229 pounds, assigns him No. 43, and credits him with 293 career tackles, 5.5 sacks, one interception, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
- Barnes finished the 2025 season with the Carolina Panthers, spent part of August 2026 on the Washington Commanders’ roster before being cut, and had not appeared in a 2026 regular-season game through Week 2.
- This signing follows last week’s addition of wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., continuing a short-term pattern of the Browns picking up players whose most recent NFL action was with the Panthers.
- The move gives Cleveland a veteran option at a thin linebacker spot and creates the practical short-term outcome that Barnes can be elevated to the active gameday roster if the Browns need immediate depth.