Gary

Barnidge

We’ve been impressed with Barnidge’s speed and receiving skills in what little playing time he’s earned over the past four years. Beat writer Steve Reed suggests Barnidge’s potential is a major reason why free agent Jeremy Shockey has not been re-signed in Carolina.

Shockey played 509 snaps as the No. 2 tight end in Carolina last season, so this is far from insignificant. Current backup TE Gary Barnidge missed the entire 2011 season due to a broken ankle, so it’s no surprise that they’d like some security at the position. Shockey was hoping for a bigger role with a new team this year, but he obviously hasn’t seen the market he was hoping. It looks like he may have to settle for a return to Carolina.

Barnidge didn’t play a down this season after breaking his ankle during the preseason, but the Panthers want to give him a chance to compete for a roster spot next summer. After hauling in 12 catches for 242 yards in 2009, Barnidge was held without a catch in 2010 as he was used as a blocker and on special teams.

Offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski likes to use two-tight end sets, but may be forced to do that less with Jeremy Shockey gone. The No. 2 spot will be filled by Gary Barnidge, blocker Ben Hartsock and H-back Mike Tolbert.

“He really looked like he fit into (OC Rob Chudzinki’s) system well,” said Hurney. Although the Panthers haven’t closed the door on Jeremy Shockey, they want to give Barnidge a chance to earn the No. 2 job. A seam stretcher, Barnidge has a major speed and athleticism edge at this point in Shockey’s career.

Barnidge knows coach Rob Chudzinski from their days together in Carolina. He’ll assume the blocking tight end role vacated by free agent Alex Smith. Barnidge has just 18 career catches in five seasons.

This one makes perfect sense. Barnidge was previously with current Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski in Carolina and is a versatile No. 2/3 tight end. Cleveland won’t stop here as they continue to rebuild their offense around the Chud’s favorite position.

Barnidge signed a three-year, $3.75 million deal indicative of a special teams player and backup tight end. While he has athleticism and size at 6-foot-5, 247, Barnidge won’t be under consideration for a featured pass-catching role.

A special teamer and Cleveland’s second tight end behind Jordan Cameron, Barnidge has two catches for 11 yards and the lone touchdown through four games.

The Browns players and coaches are already talking like they won’t have Cameron. Blocker Gary Barnidge is the likely starter and Gray will get some reps on passing downs as an athletic former college wideout and quarterback. It’s a black hole for fantasy owners.