March 11, 2026, 4:58 p.m. ET
The New York Giants are re-signing outside linebacker Zaire Barnes in free agency.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that Barnes agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $1.55 million with the Giants on Wednesday.
The New York Jets selected Barnes with the No. 184 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. The 26-year-old played in 11 games (one start) for the Giants during the 2025 season—his first with the team—recording one sack, two tackles for loss, and one QB hit.
The Western Michigan product joins tight end Isaiah Likely, inside linebacker Micah McFadden, cornerback Greg Newsome, outside linebacker Caleb Murphy, and kicker Jason Sanders among the players with whom the Giants have agreed to deals during the NFL’s free agency negotiating window.
Barnes now returns to the Giants for his second season with the team in 2026. He will become an unrestricted free agent again next offseason.
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