ZB #46

Zaire Barnes

Linebacker · Western Michigan

A first-team All-MAC linebacker at Western Michigan, Zaire Barnes has fought his way onto NFL rosters as a special teams and depth contributor.

Zaire Barnes is a linebacker who has worked his way through the league since being drafted by the Jets in 2023, most recently finding a home with the Giants. Known for his tackling production in college, he has served primarily as a depth linebacker and special teams contributor at the NFL level.

★ First-team All-MAC (2022)

★ 205 career tackles at Western Michigan

★ Sixth-round pick, No. 184 overall, 2023 NFL Draft

Path to the league

Barnes played all four seasons at Western Michigan, appearing in 49 games and racking up 205 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and an interception. He was named first-team All-MAC in 2022 after a career-high 93 tackles, and the New York Jets selected him with the 184th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Career highlights

Barnes has carved out a role as a special teams contributor and depth linebacker since entering the league, showing the tackling instincts that made him a standout at Western Michigan even in a limited role. He signed with the Giants for the 2025 season, his first with the organization.

2025 season recap

In his first season with the Giants in 2025, Barnes appeared in 11 games with one start, recording one sack, two tackles for loss and one quarterback hit. He re-signed with New York on a one-year deal worth up to $1.55 million in 2026 free agency.