Jets release Antwan Barnes
Jets defender Antwan Barnes celebrates his first-half safety against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Sept. 8, 2013) Credit: Jim McIsaac
The Jets released outside linebacker Antwan Barnes and signed tight end Chris Pantale from the practice squad, the team announced Monday.
The roster move isn't all that surprising, considering Barnes wasn't the same player following ACL surgery last season. And with rookie tight end Jace Amaro still going through the league's concussion protocol, the Jets (2-9) felt compelled to bring up Pantale prior to Monday night's home game against the Dolphins (6-5).
Barnes signed a three-year, $4-million free-agent deal in March 2013. He had two sacks and led the team with 12 quarterback hits prior to the knee injury he suffered last October vs. the Falcons.
The Jets activated Barnes from the physically unable to perform list on Oct. 15, but the pass-rush specialist hasn't had an impact. Barnes had five tackles and no sacks in five games this season.
Pantale, 24, has yet to play in a regular-season game.
The Jets do have two other tight ends on the active roster -- Jeff Cumberland and Zach Sudfeld.
