Overview
- Multiple beat reporters confirmed late Monday that the Washington Commanders are expected to sign veteran inside linebacker Krys Barnes, with one report saying the deal could be finalized Tuesday morning.
- Barnes is a 28-year-old, 6-foot-2, 229-pound, seven-year NFL veteran who entered the league as an undrafted free agent from UCLA and earned All-Pac-12 honors in 2019.
- He became a starter early in his career with the Green Bay Packers, made 23 starts in his first two seasons, and later played regular snaps with the Arizona Cardinals before spending 2025 with the Carolina Panthers.
- Reports describe the addition as a depth and special-teams signing rather than a marquee acquisition, giving Washington an experienced option for its inside linebacker rotation.
- If the signing is completed, Barnes would be expected to compete for a roster spot and provide immediate special-teams help as the Commanders finalize their 53-man roster for the regular season.