Zaire Barnes

Zaire Barnes (born September 3, 1999) is an American professional football linebacker for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Western Michigan Broncos.

College career A three-star recruit according to 247Sports, Barnes committed to play college football for the Western Michigan Broncos on June 18, 2017, over offers from Bowling Green, Central Michigan, and Cincinnati.

Professional career

New York Jets Barnes was selected 184th overall by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft. On May 5, he signed a four-year contract with the Jets. In the 2023 season, he appeared in four games.

Barnes was placed on injured reserve on September 9, 2024.

Barnes was waived by the Jets on August 27, 2025.

New York Giants On August 29, 2025, Barnes was signed to the New York Giants' practice squad. On October 18, Barnes was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster prior to the Giants’ Week 7 matchup against the Denver Broncos. On November 8, he was signed to the active roster.

On March 14, 2026, Barnes re-signed with the Giants on a one-year contract.

Personal life Barnes is of Filipino and African American descent.