Antwan Barnes Might Not Be Ready for Start of Camp

Rex Ryan shed a bit of light on situational pass rusher Antwan Barnes' status.

“Will he be ready for training camp, I’m not sure, but I don’t expect him to be at the rest of the OTAs and the mandatory camp. He’s not ready to do that,” Ryan said Wednesday, according to a transcript from the club. “Certainly, he gives us that punch and that suddenness off the edge that certainly we hope he is able to get back to us.”

Barnes can add an extra dimension to this defense. He will likely only see the field on passing downs, but he is a proven threat off the edge, which the Jets do not otherwise have. The talent the team has at the interior positions could help Barnes find favorable matchups.

Alternatively, Barnes could be a surprise cut candidate depending on how preseason plays out. If one of the linebackers the Jets drafted flashes the ability to perform well in the role, the Jets might keep them as a cheaper option, particularly if Barnes does not look fully healthy.