Kalon Barnes
Kalon Barnes is an American professional football cornerback. He played college football for the Baylor Bears, and was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft.Early life
Barnes played wide receiver at Silsbee High School. Barnes was a three-star recruit coming out of high school and committed to play football at Baylor on May 4, 2017.
Also competing in track and field, Barnes won both the 100 metres and 200 metres at the UIL Track and Field Championships in 2017 and 2018, consecutively. He ran a wind-assisted 10.04 seconds in the 100 metres in 2018.College career
Barnes converted from wide receiver to cornerback before the 2018 season.Professional career
Pre-draft
Barnes ran a 4.23-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, the third-fastest time at the combine since electronic timing was implemented in 1999, and the fastest time by a defensive back.Carolina Panthers
Barnes was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft. Panthers head coach Matt Rhule had coached Barnes for two seasons at Baylor, but downplayed his familiarity with Barnes as a reason for drafting him, instead citing his rare speed and athleticism. Barnes was waived by the Panthers as part of final roster cuts on August 30, 2022.On September 1, 2022, Barnes was signed to the practice squad of the Miami Dolphins.On December 14, 2022, Barnes was signed by the Minnesota Vikings from the Dolphins practice squad. He was waived by the Vikings as part of final roster cuts on August 28, 2023On September 15, 2023, Barnes was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad. On September 26, Barnes was released from the Steelers practice squad.On October 3, 2023, Barnes was signed to the New York Jets practice squad. He was released on December 22.On January 10, 2024, Barnes was signed to the Cleveland Browns practice squad. He became a free agent when his practice squad contract expired at the end of the season.Pittsburgh Steelers (second stint)
On January 23, 2024, Barnes signed a reserve/futures contract with the Steelers. He was waived with an injury designation on August 12, and released on August 19.On December 4, 2024, Barnes signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League. He was released on March 20, 2025.On April 9, 2025, Barnes signed with the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League. He was released during training camp on May 14.