Derek

Barnett

The Texans claimed Barnett off waivers last year after the Eagles cut him midseason. The former first-round pick put together some of the best games of his career in Houston, totaling eight TFLs and 2.5 sacks in six regular season appearances. He added two more TFLs and a sack in Houston’s two playoff outings. After struggling to find much success in Philly, Barnett is well-positioned to keep the momentum going in his first full season with the Texans.

Barnett was waived by the Eagles last week and now lands with the Texans, who are in the midst of the playoff hunt. The Eagles were unable to trade Barnett earlier this offseason, and the veteran pass rusher has appeared on just 99 defensive snaps over eight games. His season-high 6.5 sacks came in 2019, as he’s managed only 7.5 sacks over the last four seasons. He could serve as a situational pass rusher for Houston for the final few weeks of the season, but is unlikely to make much of an impact.

First reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the news is a bit of a surprise but ultimately makes sense for both sides. Barnett looked for potential trade partners before the start of the season but nothing came of the search. He has since served as a backup before being a healthy scratch in Week 9 and missing Week 11 for personal reasons. Barnett peaked at 6.5 sacks in 2019. His playing time has dwindled ever since. Barnett will still be able to find a new home in short order as most teams could use an extra pass-rusher this late into the season.

The Eagles’ stout group of pass rushers has made Barnett somewhat expendable. The former No. 14 overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft suffered a torn ACL in Week 1 of last season and appeared on just 12 snaps before the injury. Now healthy, Barnett’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, will look to see what potential trade partners may be out there for the veteran end. Barnett has 21.5 sacks through six NFL seasons, and could help provided added depth to another team desperate for pass rushers.

Barnett re-signed to a two-year deal this offseason off a down 2021, but played just 12 snaps before tearing his ACL against the Lions in Week 1. He’ll be on a reasonable $4.05 million cap hit in 2023.

Barnett exited the third quarter of yesterday’s game, walking off under his own power. After a down 2021 season in which he recorded just two sacks, Barnett returned on a two-year contract earlier this offseason. Serving as more of a situational pass rusher in yesterday’s game, Barnett appeared on just 12 snaps for the Eagles.

Barnett went down in the third quarter but was able to walk off the field under his own power. He stayed on the sidelines but looks unlikely to return. Barnett re-signed with the Eagles after a quiet 2021 season that saw him notch just two sacks.

Barnett had a career-low two sacks in 2021, but his pressure rates were largely what they have been. He’s a decent third pass rusher on a good crew. As a solid run defender, Barnett could have an argument to start again next season, but he’ll be heavily rotated with Brandon Graham, Haason Reddick, and Josh Sweat also figuring to get plenty of action.

Barnett was added to the COVID list earlier this week but the new rules allowed him to return with no time missed. He has two sacks and seven TFLs this year. Expect the Eagles to keep Taylor Heinicke and the struggling Washington offense in check this week.

Both Barnett and DT Javon Hargrave (strained pec) avoided serious injuries and have a shot to be ready for the Week 1 opener. Still just 24, the Eagles are somewhat waiting for Barnett to really come into his own as a pass rusher off the edge.