Arrowhead Addict
FanSided

Chiefs unsung heroes deserve praise

By John McCarty

Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Terrance Mitchell (39) breaks up a pass intended for Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Terrance Mitchell (39) breaks up a pass intended for Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Aug 28, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle T.J. Barnes (79) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at EverBank Field. The Jacksonville Jaguars won 26-21. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle T.J. Barnes (79) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at EverBank Field. The Jacksonville Jaguars won 26-21. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

T.J. Barnes, Defensive Tackle

While Barnes contributions have been limited to a certain degree on the field, his story and background is the story of perseverance and hope. Entering the NFL in 2013 as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and would spend a portion of the season on their practice squad, and would also spend time that season on the practice squad with the Jets in 2014 and 2015. Barnes would also spend a portion of the 2015 season with the Bills, and spent this previous off season with the Jacksonville Jaguars before joining the Chiefs practice squad in October and later being promoted the active roster this December.

The reason to keep an eye on Barnes is that with current starting nose tackle Dontari Poe set to be a free agent, Barnes at 6-foot-7 and 350 pounds, could be a depth piece along the defensive line, especially on the nose, if Poe does leave. It certainly says something that while teams like the Jets, Bills and Jaguars moved on from Barnes, he appears, at least for the rest of the season, has found a home here in Kansas City, a team vying and trying to make a deep playoff and possible Super Bowl run.

Home/Kansas City Chiefs News