Barnes played wide receiver at Silsbee High School. Barnes was a three-star recruit coming out of high school and committed to play football at Baylor on May 4, 2017.[1][2]
Also competing in track and field, Barnes won both the 100 metres and 200 metres at the UIL Track and Field Championships in 2017 and 2018, consecutively.[3] He ran a wind-assisted (+3.2 m/s) 10.04 seconds in the 100 metres in 2018.[3]
Barnes ran a 4.23-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, the third-fastest time at the combine since electronic timing was implemented in 1999 (behind only Xavier Worthy's and John Ross' 40-yard dash times, 4.21 seconds and 4.22 seconds respectively), and the fastest time by a defensive back.[5][6]
On December 14, 2022, Barnes was signed by the Minnesota Vikings from the Dolphins practice squad.[11] He was waived on August 28, 2023[12]
Pittsburgh Steelers (first stint)
On September 15, 2023, Barnes was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad.[13] On September 26, 2023, Barnes was released from the Steelers practice squad.[14]
New York Jets
On October 3, 2023, Barnes was signed to the New York Jets practice squad.[15] He was released on December 22.[16]
Cleveland Browns
On January 10, 2024, Barnes was signed to the Cleveland Browns' practice squad.[17] He was not signed to a reserve/future contract by the team after the season and thus became a free agent upon the expiration of his practice squad contract.[18]
Pittsburgh Steelers (second stint)
On January 23, 2024, Barnes signed a reserve/futures contract with the Steelers.[19] He was waived with an injury designation on August 12.[20] He was released on August 19.[21]
