Claimed off waivers from the Giants:
Barksdale (CB/6-0/208/Albany/Hudson, NY) originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round selection (201st overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2007 NFL Draft and was released on Sept. 1, 2007. He signed with Kansas City on Sept. 2, 2007 and recorded nine total tackles in six games. He was released by the Chiefs on Aug. 30, 2008. Barksdale signed with the Giants practice squad, Sept. 1, 2008, and was waived on June 20.
The Jets are a great location for marginal players this year. There is almost no depth on the roster, which means plenty of chances to compete for a backup role and a roster spot. Cornerback and running back are the two exceptions. With Revis, Sheppard, Strickland, and Lowery already in the fold, Barksale will have to turn heads to make the roster. The fifth corner, Ahmad Carroll, is a special teams standout.
Still, having Rex Ryan as a coach has to make you at least a little hopeful. Rex really does get the most of his players. Lost in his family ties, the stars he coached, and his schemes in Baltimore is his ability to develop players. Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard turned from marginal undrafted defenders into hot free agent commodities when Ryan got his hands on them. There's always a chance he can turn a scrap heap guy into a real player.