There is a well-known football cliche that says, “Defense wins championships.” Brahmas head coach Wade Phillips is obviously a believer in the importance of building a strong defense. Specifically, this off-season, the Brahmas have acquired several potential playmakers to add to their defensive line and defensive backfield.
Earlier this week, the Brahmas signed cornerback William Hooper, who brings NFL experience to the Brahmas’ defensive backfield. As a follow-up, the Brahmas have acquired yet another cornerback with NFL experience, according to a UFL press release that states that they have signed cornerback Kalon Barnes.
After spending the last three seasons with several NFL teams, Kalon Barnes joins the Brahmas roster. In 2022, the Carolina Panthers selected Barnes in the 7th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Barnes spent the 2022 season with the Panthers, but in 2023, the Minnesota Vikings acquired Barnes.
While on the Vikings roster, Barnes had the opportunity to play in two regular-season games for Minnesota. In 2023, Barnes was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad, but he was released by the Steelers and ended up finishing the 2023 NFL season on the New York Jets practice squad and the Cleveland Browns practice squad later in 2023. In 2024, Barnes signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers again and spent time on the Steeler’s practice squad during the 2024 season.
Before being drafted, the 6′-0″, 186-pound defensive back from Silsbee, Texas, played college football at Baylor University. Barnes played four seasons with the Baylor Bears from 2018 until 2021. During that time, Barnes played 41 games, recorded three interceptions, 69 total tackles, one quarterback sack, and forced one fumble. While in high school, Barnes was a Texas high school sprint champion, and he continued to compete on the track while at Baylor.
Barnes brings excellent speed to the Brahmas’ defensive backfield and is exceptionally good at defending vertical passes. He is also known for breaking well on passes in front of him, which puts pressure on opposing quarterbacks to throw a great pass. In addition to potentially playing cornerback for the Brahmas, Barnes should also have a chance to contribute on special teams during the 2025 UFL season.
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