Jets Waive WR Wilson, Sign TE Barnes

The New York Jets have waived veteran wide receiver Marquess Wilson and signed 2017 undrafted free agent tight end Brandon Barnes.

Brandon Barnes is a 23 year old, 6’ 5”, 255 pound tight end prospect out of Alabama State. Barnes has the physical tools to make him an interesting project, but he is extremely raw and will need considerable development. In four years at Alabama State Barnes had only 29 total receptions for 436 yards and six touchdowns. Limited tape on Barnes shows a player with extremely long arms, excellent size and good speed and leaping ability for his size. However, Barnes did not stand out as a receiver against less than top end competition. Barnes has the physical tools to perhaps become a good blocker. However, his tape shows a player with extremely raw technique, who tends to favor delivering an initial jolt, then relaxing, rather than sealing and driving.

Barnes was signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in May 2017 and waived two weeks ago when the Lions signed tight end Tim Wright.

It is difficult to see a path for Brandon Barnes to make the 2017 Jets roster. He looks to be at best a practice squad long term project. Following Jason Vander Laan’s unspecified injury suffered in yesterday’s practice the Barnes signing appears to be simply filling in a temporary vacancy.